Bhubaneswar, Aug 17: Several rivers in Odisha continued to flow above or close to their danger levels on Monday, causing widespread inundation of villages, agricultural land and roads in Balasore, Bhadrak, Jajpur, Keonjhar and Kendrapada districts.
In Balasore, the Subarnarekha river, which had stabilised around 4 am, started 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. More than 30 villages across eight panchayats in Baliapal block remained affected, with residents using boats for transportation in several areas.
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 river has affected more than 100 villages and large stretches of farmland across 10 panchayats in Basta and two panchayats in Balasore Sadar block. Nearly 100 houses in Basuchakurai panchayat have reportedly been inundated.
Meanwhile, heavy 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.
In Bhadrak, the Salandi river crossed the danger mark at Rajghat, reaching 17.70 feet against the danger level of 17 feet. 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, inundating parts of Bhandaripokhari and Dhamnagar blocks. Connectivity to the Akhandalamani Peeth was disrupted due to water flowing over roads.
In Keonjhar, the Baitarani river crossed the danger mark at Patna, reaching 311.22 metres against 311.10 metres. Authorities have advised people living near riverbanks to remain alert and avoid unnecessary movement through flooded areas.
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