With the incessant rains lashing for the last four days leading to rise in water level of major rivers  Subarnarekha, Budhabalanga and Jalaka, the spectre of flash flood looms large over northern Balasore region.

While the water level in Jalaka was just above the danger mark of 5.5 metre on Saturday, two other rivers in spate were flowing below the warning level. The river-side villagers are scared as the catchment areas of these rivers have been experiencing heavy rainfall.

At least 140 panchayats in Bhogarai, Jaleswar, Basta, Baliapal, Remuna, Sadar, Bahanaga, Soro and Simulia blocks are flood prone. If the water level of Jalaka crosses 6.5 metre mark, around 40 villages under 10 GPs in Basta block will be flooded.

According to the data available with the district emergency office, with an average of 40.75 mm, the district has received 489 mm rain on Saturday, followed by 387 mm on Friday, 414 mm on Thursday and 120 mm on Wednesday.

The local met office has predicted more rain in the state during next 24 hours due to the low pressure in the Bay of Bengal that had activated the monsoon triggering the rainfall. It is expected to move away slowly towards neighbouring Chhattisgarh in next 48 hours.

Officials are apprehensive about flash flood in the region if rains continue for a couple of days more.

The region has been experiencing flash flood every year since 2006 barring 2010 and 2012.   The district administration which ruled out occurrence of flood, however, confirmed that officials of the northern blocks of the district had been alerted while dry food stocked for emergency.

“BDOs and tehsildars have been asked to maintain strict vigil on the river embankments and be ready for any eventuality. Power boats and country made boats have also been kept ready,” said a revenue official.

Source:http://newindianexpress.com/states/odisha/Flood-threat-looms-large/2013/06/16/article1637459.ece