Administration evacuates flood victims

BALASORE: Flood situation in the southern and central Balasore blocks turned grim with Budhabalanga, Kansabansa, Sono, Gangahar and Jalaka rivers in spate for the second consecutive day on Friday. Two deaths have also been reported from the worst-hit Khaira and Simulia blocks.Sources said over 1.5 lakh people in 400 villages under eight blocks of the district have been affected while people in over a hundred villages remained marooned. The district administration has shifted 1,226 flood-hit from Khaira and Simulia blocks to schools and panchayat offices.On the other hand, Harekrushna Das of Mahatipur died after a portion of a wall collapsed while Basanta Barik of Nischinta village was swept away while crossing a road near Kansabansa river.The district administration has opened 19 free kitchens. While two teams of ODRAF have been deployed for rescue and relief operation, six country boats pressed into service to establish communication with the marooned villages.Balasore collector Akhila Bihari Ota has directed the ADM and the Sub-collector to rush to Simulia and Khaira blocks to monitor the relief and rescue operations.