Bhubaneswar: The depression-induced heavy rainfall has severely affected normal life in Kendujhar and Mayurbhanj districts, inundating roads, damaging agricultural land, and raising concerns over a possible flood situation as river water levels continue to rise.
In Kendujhar, floodwaters flowing through the Chemanda canal have cut off the road connecting Daula and Bairugudi in Banspal block, disrupting communication with several villages. A major tragedy was narrowly averted when a youth, identified as Basanta Dehuri of Jantaripada Sahi, was swept away while attempting to cross the bridge over the swollen stream on his way to Shuakati. He was rescued by locals, who risked their lives to pull him to safety.
The overflowing stream has completely severed connectivity to villages including Khuntakata, Parida Sahi, Kasada, Bairugudi and Nuadihi Sahi. Hundreds of residents depend on the route for daily travel, medical emergencies and transportation of essential commodities. Villagers have demanded the construction of a high-level bridge to provide a permanent solution to the recurring problem.
The relentless rainfall has also dealt a severe blow to agriculture in Hatadihi block, considered the district’s rice bowl. Around 161 mm of rainfall has been recorded in the block, leaving large stretches of farmland submerged under nearly five feet of water. Hundreds of acres of paddy seedbeds have reportedly been damaged.
Farmers in Shivanarayanpur village, where more than 500 families depend on agriculture, are worried after their fields remained waterlogged. Many said they had already sown paddy seedlings three times this season and now fear significant financial losses due to the fresh spell of rain.
In Mayurbhanj’s Ghasipura block, heavy rain has worsened the situation along the Shalapada-Sarei road, where more than three feet of water is flowing over the Fapudia stream. Although a bridge has been under construction for several years, it remains incomplete. The inundated road has disrupted connectivity for over 20 villages, forcing commuters to take a 15-km detour via Anandpur.
Meanwhile, Mayurbhanj district is also witnessing a flood situation following heavy to very heavy rainfall across several subdivisions and blocks over the past few days. Similipal Wildlife Sanctuary has also received intense rainfall, leading to a steady rise in the water level of the Budhabalanga River.
Water levels in the Budhabalanga and Subarnarekha rivers, along with several smaller streams, are increasing steadily, raising concerns among riverside residents. The district administration has stepped up preparedness measures to tackle any potential flood situation. Residents of Wards 7, 8 and 9 in Baripada town are particularly concerned as river levels continue to rise amid the ongoing rain.
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