Bhubaneswar, 17 August (H.S.): The flood situation in several parts of Odisha remained critical on Monday as the Baitarani, Jalaka and Salandi rivers breached danger levels, inundating villages, agricultural land and roads across Bhadrak, Baleshwar, Jajpur, Kendujhar and Kendrapada districts.

In Baleshwar, the Subarnarekha river, which had stabilised around 4 am, began rising again after 6 am. Although it remained below the danger mark, floodwater continued to surround several villages, submerging roads, residential areas and thousands of hectares of farmland. Boat services were being used in some areas for movement. More than 30 villages across eight gram panchayats in Baliapal block remained inundated, reports said.

The Jalaka river was flowing above the danger level at Mathani. Against the danger mark of 5.50 metres, the water level stood at 6.52 metres at 6 am. The rising water has affected more than 100 villages and large tracts of farmland across 10 panchayats in Basta block and two panchayats in Baleshwar Sadar block.

Although the water level in Basta was gradually receding, residents continued to face difficulties. Floodwater entered nearly 100 houses in Basuchakurai panchayat, disrupting normal household activities and making cooking difficult. Large stretches of agricultural land have also been affected.

Meanwhile, heavy water discharge from the Devagiri hills led to the closure of Panchalingeswar Peeth, leaving four priests and staff stranded.

The Budhabalanga river was also rising and approaching the warning level. This came a day after all three major rivers in Baleshwar had remained below their respective danger marks.

In Bhadrak, the Salandi river crossed the danger mark at Rajghat. Against the danger level of 17 feet, the water level stood at 17.70 feet at 6 am. Low-lying areas were inundated, while around four feet of water was flowing over the Rajamukundapur and Matagajpur bridges, disrupting road connectivity.

The Baitarani and Salandi rivers were also flowing above danger levels near Akhuapada, affecting several areas of Bhandaripokhari and Dhamnagar blocks. Road connectivity to the Akhandalamani Peeth was disrupted after floodwater submerged connecting roads. With Monday being a Shravan Monday, devotees and local residents faced considerable difficulties in reaching the shrine.

In Kendujhar, the Baitarani crossed the danger mark at Patna following heavy rainfall. The river rose to 311.22 metres against the danger level of 311.10 metres, inundating low-lying areas and causing waterlogging on local roads. People living near the riverbanks have been advised to remain alert.

Floodwaters from the Baitarani have affected several panchayats in Bhadrak and Jajpur. At Akhuapada, the river was flowing at 18.06 metres against the danger level of 18.33 metres.

The situation also remained concerning in other parts of the state. In Sundargarh, 17 families were reportedly marooned and took shelter on a road, while in Dhenkanal’s Kamakhyanagar, more than 60 cattle stranded on an island in the Brahmani river were rescued.

Rescue and relief operations are continuing across the affected districts as authorities closely monitor river levels and remain prepared to respond to further flooding.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Monalisa Panda