Flood threat: 3,000 evacuated in Orissa

BHUBANESWAR: About 3,000 people were evacuated from the low-lying areas of Orissa after a huge discharge of water from the Hirakud Dam triggered fears of floods in 11 of the state’s 30 districts, an official said Friday. According to reports, at least 1,600 people were moved from low-lying areas to safer places in Boudh district, an official of the state flood control room here told IANS. About 500 people in Jharsuguda and 300 people in Subarnapur were evacuated from the low-lying areas of these districts. Some were evacuated Thursday night, others early Friday, he said.