Fresh floods submerge 600 villages in Orissa

“Jajpur was cut off from rest of the state as a portion of a 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.

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

Meanwhile,Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik reviewed the flood situation at a high-level meeting here 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 tomorrow,

Special Relief Commissioner P K Mohapatra said.

“Besides sending relief material and fodder to flood-ravaged areas,immediate steps would be taken to ensure supply 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 metres against the danger level of 17.83 metres in Akhuapada. The water level in Budhabalang and Subarnarekha is also rising alarmingly,officials said.