JAJPUR: Flash flood in rivers Brahmani and Kharasrota has submerged paddy and vegetable crops in thousands of acres of land in five blocks of Jajpur district.
Even as damage assessment has not been completed yet, an initial estimate pointed to crop damage in 5,500 hectares (ha) of land in Bari, Jajpur, Rasulpur, Dharmasala and Barchana blocks. This includes vegetable crops grown in 1,000 ha of land. Farmers had grown crops like brinjal, lady-finger, ridge gourd, pumpkin, pointed gourd, cucumber and bitter gourd.
Shyam Prasad Nanda, a farmer of Barabati village under Bainshria panchayat of Bari block, said he had grown vegetables in two acres of land and the entire crop has been washed away. He had taken loan from private money lenders for cultivation.
Raghunath Jena, another farmer of Kamagarh in Dharmasala block, had taken a loan of `50,000 from a cooperative society for growing brinjal, cucumber and bitter gourd in one acre of land. The crops now stand inundated in knee-deep water.Farmers like Raghunath and Shyam have sought government help in tiding over the situation.
Paddy crops in 4500 hectares were submerged in the flood. District Agriculture authorities said they have entrusted ground staff to conduct a survey and submit damage assessment report at the earliest. Farmers will be compensated after the report is submitted to government.
Villages plunge into darkness
Kendrapara: Power supply in flood-hit areas of Kendrapara district is yet to be restored. Villages in Aul, Rajkanika and Pattamundai blocks of the district are facing blackout for the last few days. Jayanti Das, Sarpanch of Singhagaon panchayat, said most of the flood-affected villagers are facing power failure as electricity poles and wires have been damaged. With water receding slowly, the restoration works would take more time. “We are depending on candles and kerosene lamps. Youths of our village are travelling for four kms every day to Pattamundei town to recharge their mobile phones,” said Prafulla Jena of Krushnadaspur village. District Emergency Officer Rajanikanta Mohanty said at least 71 villages in 37 panchayats have been affected by flood in the district. Flood water had entered into many electric sub-stations and grid stations. Power supply will be restored only after water recedes completely, he added.