Continuous rainfall triggers fresh flood fears across Odisha, displacing over 1.07 lakh people in Bhadrak, disrupting railways, and flooding Jajpur and Keonjhar
OdishaPlus Bureau
Continuous rainfall has triggered fresh flood concerns across several districts of Odisha, with Jajpur, Bhadrak, Keonjhar and Mayurbhanj reporting inundation, waterlogging, disrupted communication and damage to infrastructure.
In Jajpur, all government and private schools and Anganwadi centres have been closed on Monday in view of the worsening situation. Rising water levels in the Baitarani, Kani and Brahmani rivers have affected around 242 villages across eight blocks. Officials have been directed to reach waterlogged areas by boat and ensure the supply of cooked food, drinking water, relief materials and healthcare.
Although the Baitarani is currently flowing below the danger mark, continued rainfall in upstream areas has heightened concern over a possible further rise in the river level.
The situation is also causing serious communication problems in parts of Keonjhar. In Saharpada and Patna areas, swollen rivers and overflowing roads have disrupted connectivity. Floodwater has reportedly risen to nearly six feet over the Tel River near Kumulabahal, cutting off road links between parts of Keonjhar and neighbouring Mayurbhanj. The Viral River near Paitamajha has also overflowed, affecting movement from Saharpada to nearby areas.
Bhadrak has witnessed one of the largest evacuations. More than 1.07 lakh people have reportedly been shifted to safer locations. Schools and Anganwadi centres have been closed, fishing activities restricted and special arrangements made for people travelling during the Shravan season.
At Akhuapada, the Baitarani was reported at around 18.10 metres against a danger mark of 18.33 metres. The Salandi at Rajghat was flowing at around 16.80 feet, close to its danger level of 17 feet.
Meanwhile, an alarming situation has emerged in Baripada, where around 50 metres of railway track near Station Bazar-Sunagadia reportedly sank following incessant rainfall. Railway services on the route have been temporarily suspended as maintenance teams assess the damage and undertake repairs. The incident has raised concerns over the stability of railway infrastructure amid continued rain.
With rainfall continuing and river levels under close watch, the immediate priority for the administration is to prevent further inundation, maintain road and communication links and protect people living in vulnerable areas.
Rescue and relief teams have been deployed across affected districts, with particular attention being given to low-lying villages, riverbanks, roads, bridges and railway infrastructure.
The coming hours will be crucial. If the rainfall persists and river levels rise further, the current spell of flooding could develop into a more widespread flood situation in Odisha.