Flash floods in Odisha leave many stranded

With heavy rains triggering flash floods in parts of Rayagada and Kalahandi districts, the Odisha government yesterday sought the help of the army and the air force to rescue the marooned people and urged the Centre to provide four helicopters to intensify relief and rescue operations.

After holding an emergency meeting here with officials, Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik said due to continuous downpour the water level of Nagabali and Kalyani rivers had risen and many places of Kalyansinghpur block in Rayagada district and Kalahandi district were inundated.

Army, IAF help sought

The state government sought the help of the army and the Indian Air Force to evacuate the marooned villagers. The IAF helicopters will be used in Kalyansinghpur block, where people are trapped on rooftops of submerged houses.

The chief minister said while the situation is being closely monitored by senior officials, the Odisha Disaster Rapid Action Force, Central Reserve Police Force and fire services units have been rushed to expedite rescue operations.

“With prompt response we have been able to rescue most people affected by flash floods in Nagabali and Kalyani rivers in Raygada district,” tweeted Patnaik.

Several bridges, including a railway overbridge, were washed away in the floods caused by incessant rains in the two districts. Besides, major roads were damaged by floodwaters.

Heavy rains lashed parts of Gujarat, including Morbi, Surendranagar and Rajkot districts, leading to reservoirs and rivers overflowing their banks, resulting in the death of one person, officials said on Saturday.

Hundreds of people in these three districts of the state of Gujarat were moved to safer places from lowlying areas near rivers and dams. In Rajkot, citizens were told to stay indoors.