Southern Orissa faces flash flood threat

With water level in almost all the major rivers and their tributaries in southern Orissa in spate, Ganjam district faced the threat of flash flood today.

The water level of Rushikulya already reached the alarming level at Sorada, Aska, Purushottampur, Janibali, while river Badanadi was flowing near the danger mark at Aska, near Bhanjanagar and Madhabarida, official sources said.

The rivers in the district were swelling due to heavy and incessant rains in the last two days under the influence of 'Jal', the cyclonic storm.

A record 184 mm rainfall was reported in Sheragada block in the last 24 hours ended on Tuesday morning followed by 100 mm in Dharakaote, 91 mm in Hinjili and 87 mm in Kodala, the sources said.

Vegetable and cotton crops got damaged in continuous rains in several parts of the district, deputy director of agriculture (DDA), Ganjam, Aparti Das said.