Sundargarh: Heavy rains since Saturday night have battered Sundargarh district and water bodies here have started swelling alarmingly.
The water levels in Brahmani, Koel, Ib, Sankha, Safei, Ichha and Basundhara rivers, which flow through the district, have started rising, and have badly affected agricultural lands and houses on river banks.
Sources said the villages in Kuanrmunda block were affected by the waters of Mandira dam on Koel river near Lainga. The administration has shifted 39 people belonging to six families of Kuanrmunda village to safer places.
Kuanrmunda block recorded the maximum rainfall of 170 mm, Hemgir block 113 mm, Lathikata block 96.3 mm, Bisra block 85.5 mm, Nuagaon block 82.82 mm, Tangarpali block 75.4 mm, Sabdega block 70 mm, Rajgangpur block 63 mm, Balisankara block 51 mm, Bonai block 50 mm, Lahunipada block 48.2 mm, Lefripada block 42 mm, Kutra block 39.4 mm, Gurundia block 33 mm, Badagaon block 22.4 mm and Sadar block 20 mm. Koida block recorded the lowest rainfall of 14 mm in the district.
Some makeshift houses in Lefripada, Tangarpali and Hemgir blocks were partially damaged. The paddy crop was also damaged, reports said.
The danger mark of Brahmani river is 178.420 mm. The water level recorded at 9 pm Sunday was 174.630 mm. The danger mark of Ib river is 222.90 mm and the water level recorded at the same time was 219.95 mm.
The upstream area of Koel river in Jharkhand is still experiencing heavy rainfall and water level continues to rise. The Mandira dam authorities have already opened seven of 11 gates. They have warned if the need arises they will open all gates of the dam.
The district administration is on its toes to ensure effective flood management.
PNN