60-Year-Old Man Swept Away as Flood Situation Turns Grim in Kendrapara

A 60-year-old man died and several panchayats were inundated by the overflowing Brahmani, Baitarani and Kani rivers on Tuesday as the flood situation became grim in Pattamundai and Aul blocks after two days of incessant rains in the district.

- EXPRESS NEWS SERVICE @ Kendrapara

The deceased was identified as Dinabandhu Dhal (60) of Palapatana village under Pattamundai block. Dhal was on his way to his submerged village from Damarapur when he was reportedly swept away by the floodwater in the morning. His body was retrieved by locals and fire service personnel in the afternoon.

In Pattamundai, the flood situation has worsened in Singhgaon, Alapua, Taradipal, Penthapala, Andara, Amrutamohani and Baluria gram panchayats which have a population of 55,000. Block chairman Pradyumna Samantray said hundreds of houses are partially submerged in floodwater after the Brahmani river breached at Kolathia village under Penthapala panchayat. Besides, vast tracts of agricultural land have been inundated.

Chittaranjan Behera (61) of Singhgaon said, "Several villages are completely submerged. Most people have left their homes, but some have stayed back to guard their property and valuables from looters. We are desperately waiting for food supplies." The five-km-long road from Mandapada to Bachara has been completely submerged.