Flash flood in Rayagada, Odisha govt on toes

Bhubaneswar: Due to incessant rainfall, flash floods occurred in river Nagabali and Kalyani of Rayagada district on Sunday.

As many as 12 villages in Kalyansinghpur and Rayagada Block have been affected. Three bridges washed away resulting disruption of road communication. Flood water is flowing above the Rayagada – Andhra Pradesh road.

Railway Bridge between Therubali & Singapur road station has been washed away.

In order to carry out rescue and relief operations, two meetings were held under the chairmanship of the Development Commissioner in the State Emergency Operation Centre with the departments Secretaries in the office of Special Relief Commissioner to coordinate the response activities in the flash flood situation in Rayagada district.

Two ODRAF teams, Fire Services and CRPF have been deployed for relief and rescue operation. Four helicopters of IAF have been requisitioned for air dropping of food packets in the marooned areas.

2000 food packets are in readiness for air dropping. Packaging of food packets is being done at Rayagada Town Hall.

Commandant, NDRF, Mundali has been requested to send 3 units of NDRF with equipment & boats to Rayagada .

Two free kitchens have been opened at Majhihada High School and Kalyansinghpur ME School covering 1300 beneficiaries. Collector, Rayagada has been instructed to provide 7 days’ emergent food assistance.

All neighboring districts of Rayagada have been instructed to provide the required manpower and material support to Rayagada district. All schools of Kalyansinghpur Block will remain closed. The school children of Budaguda Ashram school are safe.