Bhubaneswar, September 5: Prolonged heavy rainfall in Odisha has caused a sharp rise in the water levels of the Jalaka and Budhabalanga rivers in Balasore district. Reports indicate that both rivers have surpassed their danger levels, raising concerns about potential flooding in the region.

Floodwaters have already begun to inundate farmlands and villages, particularly in the Balasore Sadar area.

In addition, incessant rainfall over the last two days in Mayurbhanj district, especially in the blocks of Rasgovindpur, Morada, Shuliapada, and Chitrada, has further worsened the situation. Locals are increasingly anxious, fearing that the rising river levels could lead to a full-scale flood.

If flooding does occur, at least 10 panchayats in the Basta block, including Mathani, Baharda, and Kudia, could face severe damage. Large areas of farmland, recently planted with paddy, are under threat of being submerged. Farmers are concerned that their crops could rot, compounding the devastation.

The Meteorological Department has indicated that Odisha may experience some respite from the continuous rainfall starting Friday. However, thunderstorms and lightning are expected to persist in several regions. A yellow warning has been issued for 20 districts, forecasting light to moderate rainfall, accompanied by thunderstorms and wind speeds of 30–40 km/h, which are expected to continue until September 8.