Anandapur, Jul 29: A major breach in the ring embankment along the Baitarani River triggered panic in Odisha's Keonjhar district after a 50-foot-wide gap developed in the embankment early Wednesday, sweeping away a pickup van and a car. The incident occurred near Anandapur town as floodwaters from the swollen Baitarani River continued to rise.

According to officials, the breach occurred at around 3 a.m. near a sluice gate on the Anandapur ring embankment. The sudden collapse allowed a large volume of floodwater to gush through, inundating nearby areas and posing a serious threat to residents living along the embankment.

In the mishap, a pickup van and a car plunged into the breach and were washed away by the strong current. The pickup vehicle was being driven by Satya Mohanty of Fakirpur village, while the car was driven by his son, Sadashiv Mohanty. The father and son were reportedly travelling one behind the other when the accident occurred. Authorities are working to ascertain their condition and continue search and rescue efforts.

Following the embankment breach, the district administration launched an emergency response and evacuated residents from vulnerable localities, including Talamukhi Sahi, Uparamukhi Sahi, and other settlements situated along the ring embankment. Officials shifted people to safer locations to prevent any loss of life as floodwaters rapidly spread through the area.

Senior administrative officials rushed to the spot to assess the situation and monitor restoration efforts. The breach has also disrupted connectivity in the area, while engineers are evaluating measures to plug the gap and prevent further erosion.

Meanwhile, the flood situation has worsened in Paikachhatra village under Anandapur block, where overflowing waters of the Baitarani River have entered the village, leaving it surrounded by floodwaters. Residents remain stranded as water levels continue to rise, and the administration has intensified relief and rescue operations in the affected areas.

With the Baitarani River flowing at a dangerously high level, authorities have urged residents in low-lying areas to remain alert, avoid travelling through flooded roads, and follow evacuation advisories issued by the district administration. Rescue teams and disaster response personnel remain on standby as officials closely monitor the evolving flood situation.