Indian navy rescue teams leave for Orissa

New Delhi, Sep 23: Five comprehensive diving teams with all technical support elements from the Eastern Naval Command have been pressed into action for rescue and relief operations in the flood affected areas along the Mahanadi River in Orissa.

The diving teams along with inflatable rubberized boats with out board motors, rescue equipment and medical supplies left for Bhubaneswar on Monday, Sep 23. They will join two teams of INS Chilka which is already deployed in the affected areas, in assisting the special relief commissioner.

A total of 37 divers have been put into the rescue relief measure. Additional support manpower has also been mobilised.

Despite falling water levels, the flood-ravaged areas continue to be hit by manpower and boat shortages, thereby worsening the plight of over six million marooned people. Intermittent showers have compounded the misery of the people and those involved with relief operations.

The water level is still above the danger mark in the Devi River at Ali Pingala (12.32 meters as opposed to a safe level of 11.26 meters).

The Mahanadi River had breached its banks at 61 places and floodwaters have swept away highways in some areas.

Large parts of the coastal Orissa have been inundated after authorities were forced to open dozens of sluice gates of the Hirakud Dam on the Mahanadi River following heavy rains in catchment areas. Only eleven gates of the dam remain open in view of the receding waters.

According to official sources, some two lakh people have been evacuated.

ANI