Bhadrak, August 17: The flood situation in Odisha’s Bhadrak district continues to remain critical amid incessant rainfall and rising river levels. The district administration has intensified relief and rescue operations and taken several precautionary measures.

All schools and Anganwadi centres across the district have been declared closed in view of the flood situation. The leave of all government employees has also been cancelled, with officials directed to remain available for flood-related duties.

The administration has imposed restrictions on fishing in the sea and directed fishermen who are currently at sea to return to shore immediately.

Meanwhile, elaborate security arrangements have been put in place for the safety of Kanwariyas as devotees are observing Shravan Monday today.

At Akhuapada, the Baitarani River is flowing at 18.10 metres against the danger mark of 18.33 metres. At Rajghat, the Salandi River is flowing at 16.80 feet, close to its danger mark of 17 feet.

More than 1.07 lakh people have been evacuated from vulnerable and flood-affected areas. Community kitchens are currently operating at 90 locations to provide cooked food to the affected population.

The flood has so far affected four blocks and one urban area, covering 33 gram panchayats and 134 villages across the district. Authorities are closely monitoring the situation and continuing relief and evacuation measures.