Keonjhar, Aug. 14 (UDN): The flood situation in Odisha’s Keonjhar district has once again turned critical following heavy rainfall in the upper catchment areas, triggering a sharp rise in water levels across several rivers.
The Baitarani River crossed the danger mark near Patna, prompting the district administration to step up its preparedness. Authorities have warned that the rising water could reach Anandapur in the coming hours.
Although rainfall has reduced in several parts of the district, water from the upper catchment areas continues to flow downstream, increasing pressure on rivers and low-lying regions.
Over 150 People Rescued
More than 150 people from vulnerable low-lying areas were rescued overnight by the administration and shifted to a nearby school building for safety.
The administration has also kept shelters ready at schools and other designated facilities in case further evacuation becomes necessary.
Baitarani Water Level Rises
Keonjhar Additional District Collector Rabindra Kumar Pradhan said the administration had already been placed on alert following a red warning issued by the Meteorological Department.
According to him, Joda recorded the highest rainfall, followed by Jhumpura and Champua. While rainfall later declined considerably, runoff from the upper catchment continued to move downstream, causing the Baitarani’s water level to rise near Patna.
The river crossed the danger mark, but the administration managed the situation without major disruption due to advance preparedness, he said.
Anandapur Under Close Watch
The water level has also increased at Anandapur, though it was still below the danger mark at the time of the assessment. Officials are closely monitoring the situation and preparing for possible evacuation if water levels rise further.
A breach in a ring embankment has also resulted in floodwater entering some low-lying areas, adding to concerns among residents.
Joda Areas Hit by Waterlogging
Several parts of Joda have been affected by the rising water. Some areas were temporarily cut off, while waterlogging was reported in and around the municipal area.
The administration has been providing dry food and drinking water to people in the affected areas and maintaining close coordination with local officials to respond to any further deterioration.
With water from the upper catchment still moving downstream, authorities remain on high alert across vulnerable pockets of Keonjhar, particularly along the Baitarani basin.