Odisha flood situation grim, lakhs marooned, toll 6

Describing the flood situation in Ganjam as “grim”, Patro said thousands of people are encircled by flood water in Aska, Sorada, Hinjili, Sergarh, Belaguntha, Rangelunda blocks.  He said similar was the situation in Gajapati district. 



“We have rescued at least nine persons taking shelter on a tree near Aska after last mid-night. Personnel of NDRF and ODRF are deployed in rescue operation,” said Ganjam collector Kishan Kumar.

The collector said many places have now become inaccessible. “The relief team can reach the affected people once the water receded,” he said.

Though the district administration has evacuated above 40,000 people, another one lakh people remained marooned.  

Rivers like Rusikulya, Bansadhara and Ghodahada are rising due to non-stop rain for the last five days.  

The state government has announced closure of schools and colleges in coastal districts in view of the flood.