-The Hindu
Cyclone ‘Nilam’ caused unprecedented damage to Srikakulam district which is still under grip of fear with the heavy inflows to Vamsadhara and Nagavali rivers. Bahuda and Mahendra Tanaya rivers are also in full spate with heavy rains in the catchment area of Odisha. Almost 80, 000 acres of crop got damaged and 43 villages were inundated in the district. The officials of all the mandals have been alerted to provide shelter for the people living in low-lying areas. Around 40 houses were collapsed in Srikakulam, Rajam, Santakaviti mandals.
Nagavali river which passes through Srikakulam town is in full spate on Sunday morning also. With heavy inflows from the catchment area, 71,000 cusecs of water was released on Sunday evening. The flood water has almost touched the roof of the old bridge in Gujaratipet, though officials denied any threat to it. Rivulets, tanks and reservoirs were overflowing in several mandals including Amudalavalasa, Laveru, Nandigam, Narasannapeta, Itchapuram, Kotturu and other areas.
There has been no respite from rains for the entire Srikakulam district since Wednesday. The situation has further deteriorated with the heavy rain from Sunday night. Normal life was completely thrown out of gear. Rain water entered the Srikakulam RTC bus stand, causing inconvenience to the travellers. China Bazar and Rytu Bazar areas turned into ponds, forcing the people to remain in the houses. Srikakulam Collector Saurabh Gaur who reviewed the flood situation on early hours of Monday declared holiday for all the schools in the district.
“We halted vehicles’ movement in Palakonda-Parvatipuram road with the damage to the bridge. We have not yet established rehabilitation centers since the situation is under control. However, the administration is geared to handle any eventuality,” said Mr.Gaur. Bus and rain connectivity has been cut-off to remote places of the district. Hundreds of travellers were stranded in Srikakulam Railway Station at Amudalavalasa with the cancellation of several trains on both the routes.