Bhubaneswar, Sept 1: Odisha is once again staring at a flood threat as incessant rain in several districts pushes river water levels up. From Baripada to Bhadrak, Koraput and Balasore, rising rivers and waterlogged areas have triggered alerts, evacuation and rescue preparedness.

With several rivers across northern and southern Odisha showing rising water levels, district administrations have stepped up preparedness measures. Rescue teams have been deployed in vulnerable locations, while officials are monitoring rainfall, river levels and reservoir conditions.

Residents living in low-lying and riverbank areas have been advised to remain alert, avoid unnecessary travel near rivers and follow instructions issued by the local administration.

BARIPADA: Floodwaters enter homes as Budhabalanga River swells

The flood situation has turned critical in Baripada following incessant rainfall in Mayurbhanj and heavy downpour in the Similipal Biosphere Reserve. Several low-lying areas of the Baripada municipal region have been inundated, with floodwater entering residential houses and disrupting normal life.

Areas including Bagan Sahi in Madhuban and the locality behind Satabhauni Temple, which usually remain unaffected by floods, have also witnessed severe waterlogging.

Although water was pumped out from several areas in the morning, the situation deteriorated after the water level in the Budhabalanga River rose sharply after 5 am. Floodwater subsequently entered several localities and homes.

Authorities fear the situation could worsen as the full impact of the water flowing down from the Similipal upper catchment is yet to reach Baripada.

The administration has launched evacuation operations in vulnerable areas, shifting residents to flood shelters and nearby schools. Around 150 to 200 people have reportedly taken shelter so far. Dry food such as flattened rice and jaggery is being provided, while arrangements have also been made to supply cooked meals until the situation improves.

Three ODRAF teams have been deployed in Baripada municipality, Badasahi and Betanati blocks for emergency response and rescue operations. Senior officials, including the ADM, tehsildar and BDOs, are monitoring the situation.

The Mayurbhanj district administration has also announced the closure of schools in Betanati, Badasahi and surrounding areas. Teachers have been assigned roster duties as nodal officers for their respective school areas.

BHADRAK: Baitarani River nears danger mark, flood threat looms

The flood threat is once again looming over parts of Bhadrak district as the water level in the Baitarani River continues to rise.

At Akhuapada, the danger level has been recorded at 18.33 metres, while the river was flowing at around 18.19 metres. Although rainfall in Bhadrak has decreased, authorities are closely monitoring the situation in view of heavy rainfall in Keonjhar and Mayurbhanj.

If the Baitarani crosses the danger mark significantly, low-lying areas of Dhamnagar, Tihidi and Chandbali could face flooding.

The district administration has been keeping a close watch on the river and is prepared to take precautionary measures if the water level rises further.

KORAPUT: Kotpad residents alerted as Indravati Reservoir level rises

In Koraput district, residents in flood-prone areas of Kotpad have been alerted following a rise in the water level of the Indravati Reservoir.

The Kotpad administration has issued warnings through public-address systems amid the possibility of opening the reservoir gates. Residents in vulnerable areas have been advised to remain alert and cooperate with the administration.

Several areas, including Pirinji, Sadaranga and Belogaon, had witnessed flood-like conditions a few days ago.

Authorities have advised residents not to let their cattle loose and warned people against entering rivers to fish amid the rising water levels.

BASTA: Jalaka River flows at danger level

The Jalaka River has once again reached the danger level following heavy rainfall in the upper catchment areas of Mayurbhanj district.

At Mathani in Basta, the danger level has been recorded at 6.50 metres, with the river flowing at the same level around 8 am.

The situation is being closely monitored as continued rainfall in the upper catchment could push the water level further upward and increase the flood threat in nearby areas.

JALESWAR: Subarnarekha above warning level

The Subarnarekha River is also swelling following heavy rainfall in Jharkhand.

At Rajghat in Jaleswar, the warning level is 9.45 metres, while the river was flowing at around 9.50 metres at 7 am.

If the river continues to rise and flooding occurs, several areas of Baliapal block, including Asti, Baliapal, Madhupura, Bishnupur and Jamkunda panchayats, could be affected.

The administration is monitoring the situation and keeping vulnerable communities on alert.