Mail News Service
Saraikela, May 27: People of Saraikela-Kharsawan heaved a sigh of cautious relief at the passing of Cyclone Yaas from over the twin district. The wind speed had substantially reduced on Thursday and people were seen moving out to attend to daily needs like purchase of home essentials. However, the chances of heavy rain were very much anticipated after a possible lull today.
The rivers in the district are in spate due to more than 30 hours of rainfall. The swollen river waters are just skimming the marks under danger levels. Many important connecting road bridges and culverts have been inundated as a result of the incessant rains. The Govindpur culvert joining Saraikela and Kharsawan is under four feet of water while the Titirvila Bridge connecting the district headquarter town to Rajnagar too is under the swollen river waters. Locals have said that further rise in river water levels could account for many other connecting bridges and culverts being submerged.
The SDO and other administrative and police officials inspected various bridges and culverts to ascertain their on hand status. The local residents almost swarmed to the sites of submerged roads, bridges and culverts and many young men were seen splashing on the waters over the submerged bridges and culverts and clicking selfies oblivious to the threats to their lives and limbs by powerful currents of the overflowing river waters.
Meanwhile, the district administration and police have been on their toes taking foolproof safety measures against the cyclonic conditions. SDO Ram Krishna Kumar personally inspected the submerged culvert at Govindpur and gave necessary safety directives. He said, “The cyclone may have passed but the possibilities of further rains cannot be ruled out. As a consequence the river water levels will rise further. As such, people are advised to stay indoors. We are keeping a close watch on the water levels of rivers and safety measures for people residing along the river banks and other low lying areas are in place. Barricades have been put up at both ends of submerged bridges and culverts and police personnel have been posted at both ends to prevent mishaps. I urge people not to swim in the swollen rivers or take selfies as they could prove to be dangerous and life threatening.”