Disaster officials in the Indian state of Odisha said that flash floods occurred in Rayagada and Kalahandi districts after heavy rainfall on 15 July. Local media report that at least one person died in the flooding.
The Special Relief Commissioner said that the Nagavali and Kalyani rivers in Rayagada district both overflowed, inundating wide areas, causing extensive damage to bridges and disrupting road and railway connectivity.
At least 5 bridges were damaged. Flooding affected a total of 12 villages, 3 of which – Jilinda, Budagoda, Majhiguda – remain isolated. Naval helicopters have been used to air drop food and other supplies in affected areas.
Media reports say that levels of the Nagabali / Nagavalli and Kalyani rivers increased at an alarming rate. According to India’s Central Water Commission, levels have since returned to normal, although another river, the Vamsadhara at Kashinagar, Gajapati district, is very close to the danger mark at 54.51 metres, (danger level is 54.6).
Odisha Disaster Rapid Action Force (ODRAF), Fire Services, and India’s National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) have been deployed for relief and rescue operation. The Special Relief Commissioner said that around 20 people have been rescued after seeking refuge on roof tops and in trees.
Rainfall
Figures for a 24 hour period from 15 to 16 July according to a report form Odisha Special Relief Commissioner.
- Kolnara – 51.4 mm
- K.Singhpur – 189.8 mm
- Kashipur – 237.0 mm
- Gunupur – 89.0 mm
- Padampur – 103.0 mm
- Ramna Guda – 97.3 mm
- Bissam Cuttack – 72.8 mm
Social Media
Closely monitoring flood situation; every effort being made to reach the affected with food, medicines & supplies. Air sorties in full swing pic.twitter.com/Ia9rA91y64
— Naveen Patnaik (@Naveen_Odisha) July 17, 2017
Appeal to all in Rayagada & Kalahandi districts to assist rescue & relief agencies & extend support to persons affected by flash floods pic.twitter.com/AzYI2uFglm
— Naveen Patnaik (@Naveen_Odisha) July 16, 2017
