BHUBANESWAR: As flood water began to recede in Mahanadi, the Government’s attention was shifted to Baitarani where a fresh spell of flood was reported following heavy rains in its catchment. With persistent rainfall in Champua, Keonjhar, Sompatna, Jashipur and Jhumupra, Baitarani had crossed the danger level at Akhuapada while flowing close to the danger mark at Anandpur. The Government put Jajpur and other districts on alert. In Jajpur, at least 5 lakh people have been hit by the floods. The Government also switched to rehabilitation and restoration mode in the 19 districts where over 27 lakh people have been badly hit by the floods. With over 55,000 dwelling units damaged in 13 districts, house building was a major task before the Government which has asked the Collectors to submit a detailed reports after the water receded in the affected districts. Kendrapara has been the worst hit with at least 27,000 housing units bearing the brunt. So far, at least 4121 villages have been affected by the floods in 95 blocks and 16 urban local bodies. As water level dropped in the river and flood showed signs of improvement, the Government estimated that close to 25 percent of the total affected villages continue to be marooned. The 1,278 cut-off villages had very little access to food and relief even though the Government tried to speed up relief work. Distribution of polythene sheets to those living on embankments was a major thrust since rains continued to lash intermittently. At least 99,663 rolls were distributed by Friday while the Government said it had a stock of over 2.74 lakh rolls. “Although people have started returning to their homes, we have enough stock of polythene and districts have been asked to place order,” an officer said.Damage to standing crops was another issue the Government was worried about. While crop loss assessment will be made after water receded, the districts were asked to begin the process. As per the preliminary estimate, over 2.15 lakh hectare crop area was affected. Agriculture Department sources said, the major worry was pest attack in the aftermath of the floods and all the district agriculture officers had been instructed to report any attack immediately. Nischintakoili block of Cuttack had already reported the first such attack. “We are focussing on alternative crop in view of the damage to the standing crops. Order for seeds will soon be placed with the Orissa Seeds Corporation since groundnut will be the thrust area for farmers in the coming days,” a senior officer said.
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