Bhubaneswar, Aug 14: Odisha is grappling with a flood-like situation in several areas as incessant rainfall and swelling rivers have affected four districts, Special Relief Commissioner (SRC) Rajesh Prabhakar Patil said on Friday.

So far, 45 panchayats have been reported affected, with relief and evacuation measures underway in vulnerable areas.

Patil said there is a possibility of medium-level flooding in Balasore, Bhadrak and Jajpur districts as water levels are expected to rise further in the Jalaka, Salandi, Baitarani, Budhabalang and Subarnarekha rivers due to incessant rainfall.

A flood situation has already emerged along the Subarnarekha, while the Budhabalang river has crossed the danger mark following heavy rainfall. The rising water level is expected to have a significant impact on Balasore district.

According to the SRC, 10 ODRAF teams and seven NDRF teams have been deployed, while four additional teams have been kept on standby to respond to any deterioration in the situation.

Heavy rainfall in neighbouring Jharkhand has contributed to the sustained rise in water levels of rivers flowing into Odisha. Relief centres have been opened in affected areas, and around 3,000 people were shifted to safer locations on Thursday. Evacuation efforts are continuing.

At present, eight teams have been deployed in Balasore, while two ODRAF teams and one NDRF team are stationed in Jajpur. Two teams have been deployed in Bhadrak and one team in Keonjhar to manage the situation.

According to information shared by the Water Resources Department, the Jalaka river has witnessed a historic rise in water level. While the flood level is generally expected to cross around 6.4 metres, the river has reached approximately 7.4 metres, indicating an unusually severe rise.

Officials have warned that even if rainfall subsides, waterlogging and flood-related problems could persist for around four days in some areas.

The Subarnarekha river is also showing a rising trend. Its water level is currently around two metres below the danger mark and is expected to touch the danger level by Saturday. This could affect areas including Balasore, Dhamnagar, Tihidi and Dasarathpur, with agricultural land likely to remain inundated.

The Salandi river, meanwhile, has reportedly remained at a similar level for the past four days without a significant rise.

The state has received 13 per cent more rainfall than normal up to August 14, according to the information shared by officials.

The SRC said Collectors of the affected districts have been placed on high alert and are maintaining close coordination with field-level officials.

He assured that the administration is fully prepared to deal with a medium-level flood situation and that relief, evacuation and rescue measures will continue based on ground conditions.