BALASORE: With three major rivers in spate, third flood of the season in northern parts of Balasore district looks imminent. People in the river-side villages and low-lying areas have been alerted. Sources said while river Jalaka was flowing above the danger level, water level in Budhabalanga and Subarnarekha rivers is increasing considerably. The water level in Jalaka was at 6.80 metre mark against the danger level of 5.5 metre.Similarly, the water level in Subarnarekha was 8.26 metre at Rajghat and 7.86 metre in Budhabalanga. The swirling waters of Jalaka breached its banks at three places near Baharda and the floodwater was flowing on the road near Mathani disrupting vehicular movement to Baliapal areas. The floodwater of Budhabalanga entered several low-lying areas in Ranipatana, Chunabhati, Nuapur, Aradbazar in Balasore town and Fuladi, Balighat and Sindhia areas on the outskirts. As the water flowed above the road near Thermal slope, vehicular movement came to a halt.All north Balasore-bound buses were diverted and plied through Remuna Square.Official sources said the water level is Subarnarekha and Budhabalanga is increasing 0.02 metre per hour. If the trend continues, both the rivers will cross danger level by Saturday. The people in Jaleswar and Bhogarai blocks, who had recently faced flash floods and are yet to overcome the losses will be affected the most, sources said. Flood in Budhabalanga has damaged more than 30 brick kilns in Fuladi and Baisinga areas, threatening the lives of over 500 people dependent on it for a living. River-side residents fear more damages as Kala and Sunei dams have released water in the evening.“The dam water will pass through Budhabalanga and as the river is already in spate we fear a major flood in the next two days. If all the gates are opened, the situation will be devastating. However, we have requested them to open the gates phase-wise to avert major devastation at one go,” said irrigation executive engineer Pranabandhu Panda. Meanwhile, the district administration has alerted the BDOs and tehsildars of all northern blocks along with Remuna and Sadar areas to remain alert for any eventuality and stock food materials in inaccessible pockets.
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