Kalahandi floods: Hati and Tel rivers swell after heavy rainfall

Heavy rainfall over a two-day period has caused the Hati and Tel rivers to overflow in Kalahandi district, resulting in flood conditions on Monday. The district emergency office said, "1,494 mm of rain was recorded across the district during the past two days." The flooding has submerged hundreds of acres of farmland and blocked several key roads in villages located along the riverbanks.

How much farmland has been affected?

In Junagada block, Hati river floodwaters have inundated more than 1,000 acres of farmland. The affected areas include Bagadungari, Michagaon, Masigaon, Sahajkana, Talamala, Baladiamal, Palas, Kuruguda, Bhainriguda, Murlapadar, Chingudisara, Panigaon, Makarashola, Chichaiguda, Banijara, Purunasara, Kotengaon, Chilaguda, Dasigaon, Bodel, Bhejipadar and Jamunabahal, among other villages. This extensive inundation has left large stretches of recently planted paddy fields under water.

Farmers in these regions face significant concerns regarding paddy crops. Many had recently planted paddy after borrowing money for cultivation, leading to worries over potential crop losses and increasing debt. The sudden rise in water levels has left them uncertain about whether they will be able to harvest their crop or repay the loans taken for seeds, fertilizers and labour.

Which roads are blocked by the flood?

Floodwaters measuring approximately five feet have flowed over the Kuruguda-Murlapadar road in Junagada block, halting all traffic. This route provides essential connectivity for three panchayats in Junagada block as well as Golamunda block, and people travel by bus through the route every day to Nuapada and Balangir districts. Connectivity has also been disrupted on the Michagaon-Bagadungari and Talmala-Junagada roads, further isolating communities and disrupting the movement of goods and passengers.

Were there any emergency rescues conducted?

Six farmers from Karli village under Rengasapali panchayat in Golamunda block were rescued after being stranded by rising water levels. The farmers, identified as Sushant Biswal, Bibhuti Budhia, Uma Budhia, Yudhisthir Budhia, Niranjan Hans and Ghanashyam Budhia, were trapped on a field embankment near the Tel river when the water rose suddenly. On being informed, the Golamunda fire services team reached the spot and used a boat to rescue all six individuals safely.

Continued rainfall across Kalahandi on Monday has brought normal activities to a standstill in many areas, as residents cope with submerged fields, blocked roads and the lingering threat of further water rise.

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