Fresh flood submerges 600 villages in Orissa

Fresh flood in Brahmani, Baitarani, Budhabalang and Subarnarekha rivers following a heavy downpour wrecked havoc in Jajpur, Keonjhar, Bhadrak, Kendrapara, Balasore and Mayurbjanj districts, officials said.

"Jajpur was cut off from rest of the state as a portion of 120-year-old bridge on Baitarani river at Sathipur caved in," District Collector Anil Samal said.

"Vast stretches of national highways connecting Panikoili to Keonjhar, Keonjhar-Jashipur and Kamakhyanagar-Bhubana were inundated in flood waters, paralysing vehicular movement," Works Secretary S K Ray said.

Also several state highways in Bhadrak, Keonjhar, Jajpur, Dhenkanal, Kendrapara and Mayurbhanj were submerged in many places, throwing traffic out of gear.

Meanwhile, Orissa Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik reviewed the flood situation at a high-level meeting in Bhubaneswar and deputed three senior officials to worst-hit Jajpur, Bhadrak and Kendrapara to monitor and supervise rescue and relief work.

Helicopters available with the state for anti-Naxal operation will be pressed into service for air dropping of relief materials for the marooned people from Saturday, Special Relief Commissioner P K Mohapatra said.

"Besides sending relief materials and fodder to the flood- ravaged areas, immediate steps would be taken to ensure upply of safe drinking water and arrange mobile health teams," Revenue and Disaster Management Minister S N Patro said.

Baitarani river is flowing at 20.80 metre against the danger level of 17.83 metre in Akhuapada. Water level in Budhabalang and Subarnarekha is also rising alarmingly, officials said.