Bhubaneswar, August 17: Is Odisha heading towards another major flood spell? Continuous rainfall has once again raised alarm across several districts, with Jajpur, Bhadrak, Keonjhar and Mayurbhanj reporting flooding, waterlogging, disrupted communication and damage to infrastructure.

From school closures and mass evacuations to a railway track sinking under the pressure of rainwater, the latest developments have raised several urgent questions about the state's flood situation.

What is happening in Jajpur?

Jajpur has declared a holiday for all government and private schools and Anganwadi centres on Monday in view of the rain and flood situation.

As water levels rose in the Baitarani, Kani and Brahmani rivers, around 242 villages across eight blocks have reportedly been affected.

Flood officials have been instructed to reach waterlogged areas by boat and ensure that residents receive cooked food, drinking water, relief materials and healthcare services.

The Baitarani is reportedly flowing below the danger level at present. However, continuing rainfall in upstream areas has increased concern among residents, with authorities maintaining close surveillance.

The key question now is: Can sustained rainfall push the river above the danger mark again?

Why are parts of Keonjhar cut off?

In Keonjhar's Saharpada and Patna areas, swollen rivers and overflowing roads have disrupted communication.

Floodwater has reportedly risen to around six feet over the Tel River near Kumulabahal, cutting off road connectivity between parts of Keonjhar and neighbouring Mayurbhanj.

The Viral River near Paitamajha has also overflowed, affecting movement from Saharpada towards several nearby areas.

How serious is the Situation in Bhadrak?

Bhadrak is witnessing one of the more serious situations, with authorities reportedly evacuating more than 1.07 lakh people to safer locations.

Schools and Anganwadi centres have been closed, fishing activities have been restricted and special arrangements have been made to protect people travelling during the Shravan season.

The Baitarani at Akhuapada was reported at around 18.10 metres against a danger mark of 18.33 metres, while the Salandi at Rajghat was flowing at around 16.80 feet against a danger level of 17 feet.

Why were railway services suspended in Baripada?

One of the most alarming developments has been reported from 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 while maintenance teams work to repair the damaged section and assess track safety.

The crucial question is: Could this damage have triggered a major railway accident if it had gone undetected?

Local residents have expressed concern over the continued sinking of soil beneath the track.

What happens next?

With rainfall continuing and river levels being closely monitored, the immediate challenge for the administration is to prevent further flooding, maintain communication and ensure the safety of people in vulnerable areas.

Rescue and relief teams are working across affected districts, while authorities are particularly focused on low-lying villages, riverbanks, roads, bridges and railway infrastructure.

Is this only a temporary spell of flooding-or the beginning of another major flood situation in Odisha?

With rivers rising, thousands being evacuated and infrastructure already affected, the answer could depend on what happens in the next few hours as the rain continues.