Bhubaneswar: Odisha government on Sunday has sought the help of the Army and Air Force to rescue flood affected people in parts of Rayagada and Kalahandi districts. The state government has also urged Centre to provide four helicopters to intensify relief and rescue operations.
Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik had held an emergency meeting with officials, where he said due to continuous downpour the water level of Nagabali and Kalyani rivers had risen and many places of Kalyansinghpur block in Rayagada district and Kalahandi district were immersed. The IAF choppers will be used in Kalyansinghpur block, where people are trapped on rooftops of submerged houses, reports Telangana today.
CM further said the Odisha Disaster Rapid Action Force, Central Reserve Police Force and fire services units have been rushed to expedite rescue operations. “With the prompt response we have been able to rescue most people affected by flash floods in Nagabali and Kalyani rivers in Rayagada district,” tweeted Patnaik.
The bridges, including a railway overbridge, had been washed away in the rain triggered floods caused in the two districts. Besides, major roads were damaged by floodwaters.
“We are closely monitoring the situation. We are trying to evacuate the stranded people as several areas have been cut off and people have taken shelter on rooftops,” said Special Relief Commissioner Bishnupada Sethi.
There are chances of rains to get intensified, which may cause heavy rain in several parts of the State, he added.