52 villages marooned in Kendrapara

KENDRAPARA: Flood in the river Brahmani and the Kharosotra, Luna, Paika, Karandia and their tributaries has inundated large areas of Rajkanika, Aul and Pattamundai blocks of Kendrapara district on Friday.As many as 52 villages on river banks under Marsaghai and Garadapur blocks are marooned. The flood-hit villagers are depending upon rickety country boats to reach the main land.The 3-km main road from Pattamundai to Patarpur is under four feet of water and road communication from Pattamundai to Aul has been cut off.Flood water has also entered Madhuban, Mahuria, Kalarapal, Sanagiri, Narendrapur, Manikapatna, Nuapada, Ayatan and other gram panchayats under Aul block and Habeligandapatana, Gopalpur, Lahuni, Nuagaon, Haladharpur, Hatasahi, Kandia, Deulatara, Namatara, Jaguleipada, Matia, Langalkhanja, Badiha, Kendusahi, Panki, Gunthla, Adasahi, Pegarapada and Balarampur villages under Rajkanika block on Friday.The Chitrotola is now flowing above the danger mark in Patakura and it breached at three places.The people of Garadpur block are also marooned.“Release of water from the Hirakud dam and incessant rain in the catchment areas have caused the rivers Brahmani, Baitarani, Mahanadi, Chitrotola, Luna, Kharosotra and their tributaries to swell, said District Collector P K Patnaik.He said boats are being kept ready in the riverside areas to rescue the flood-affected persons. Dry food has been stocked in cyclone shelters.