The aftermath of cyclone Arnab has been felt in Ganjam district of Odisha. Flood in Rusikulya river has been reported, this has led to inundation of Sorada town.
Heavy rains are still lashing Ganjam district under the influence of cyclone Arnab. Sorda has been receiving heavy to very heavy rains for the past three days. As a result, the water level of the Rusikulya river has risen, creating a flood-like situation.
Flood in Rusikulya river has affected various areas of Sorda city like Adarsh Colony, Math Sahi, Kali Mandir Sahi, Karti Sahi, Netaji Sahi. Many people are still stranded. Flood water has entered many villages like Palakatu, Nuagaon, Tatabali, Surmani, Nuagad, Valiyagocha, Brahmandei in Sorda block. Communication has been cut off around Sorda.
Central Water Commission (CWC) Issues Alert
The Central Water Commission (CWC) has issued an alert regarding rising river water levels and possible flood situation in various parts of the state, amid the forecast of very heavy to extremely heavy rainfall in the next two days.
The commission has estimated that the water level may rise and create a flood situation in the lower reaches of Mahanadi, Baitarani, Brahmani, Indravati, Bansadhara, Nagarokhal, Saveri, Rusikulya, Dayam and Bhargavi rivers between October 28 and October 29.
The alert has been issued for several districts including Ganjam, Gajapati, Koraput, Rayagada, Malkangiri, Nabarangpur, Kandhamal, Khordha, Puri, Cuttack, Kendrapara, Jagatsinghpur, Bhadrak, Balasore, Jajpur, Keonjhar and Mayurbhanj.
The India Meteorological Department has issued a flash flood warning for 17 districts including Ganjam, Gajapati, Koraput, Rayagada, Nabarangpur, Kandhamal, Nayagarh, Boudh, Subarnapur, Bargarh, Sambalpur, Angul, Khordha, Puri, Nuapada, Balangir and Jharsuguda.
Due to heavy rain, water discharge may increase and inundation may occur in low-lying areas. For this, the local administration has been asked to regularly monitor the situation.
According to the data of the commission, the water level of the Rusikulya river is rising at Sorda and Purushottampur in Ganjam district. Similarly, the water level of the Badajhor and Harbhangi rivers is rising at Mahendragarh and Mohana in Gajapati district. While the water level of the Kalab river is also rising at Sirimoda in Koraput district.
Along with this, water inflow is expected to increase in Balimela, Jalaput, Opara Indravati, Kolab and Rengali reservoirs. The commission has advised the reservoir authorities to manage water as per the prescribed rules, thereby avoiding flooding downstream and waterlogging upstream.
