Flood situation turns grim in Orissa

Bhubaneswar, Jun 18 (UNI) The Orissa government was contemplating requisition of Air Force for relief operations in Balasore as the flood situation deteriorated here today.

Revenue Minister Manmohan Samal told newspersons here today major parts of north Balasore were disconnected following floods in Subarnarekha, Baitarani and their tributaries.

He said road and rail communication were affected after the railway tracks were submerged by flood waters at several places between Balasore and Khargapur.

The road communication snapped as a bridge collapsed at Rupsa on National Highway 60.

The Minister said the Special Relief Commissioner(SRC) was camping at Balasore and monitoring the situation.

Orissa Disaster Rapid Action Force team was being rushed to Balasore from Koraput, Sundergarha, Jharsuguda and Chhatrapur to assist in relief and rescue operations.

He said Bhadrak, Jajpur and Mayurbhanja districts were also affected due to flash floods triggered by heavy rain in the upper catchment areas.

The administration was worried as the Met office predicted more rains in north and south Orissa during the next 48 hours.

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