Many rivers in spate, administration on alert

Major rivers in the southern Odisha are in spate following heavy rains since Thursday. An average 90-mm rainfall was recorded on Saturday.

 Water level in the rivers like Nagavali, Bansadhara, Sileru, Saptadhara, Patali, Indravati, Udanti and Kolab have reached the red mark. The situation will worsen if rains continue for another day.

 The district administrations of Rayagada, Koraput, Malkangiri and Nabarangpur have been alerted.

 In Koraput, normal life was hit on Saturday as markets and offices remained closed because of heavy rains. Roads wore a deserted look. Preliminary reports stated that 1,200 thatched houses and many roads have been damaged in the rains. The rains have, however, brought relief for the farming community who till last week feared crop damage due to lack of rains.