Bhubaneswar, July 28: Four districts in northern Odisha are facing a potential flood threat as continuous heavy rainfall over the past three days has caused water levels in several rivers to rise close to the danger mark, prompting the state government to step up emergency preparedness.

Officials said rising water levels in the Jalaka, Salandi and Baitarani rivers could trigger flooding in Balasore, Bhadrak, Mayurbhanj and Jajpur districts if the rivers breach the danger level.

To tackle any emergency, the state government has deployed the Odisha Disaster Rapid Action Force (ODRAF), National Disaster Response Force (NDRF)and Fire Services in vulnerable areas. District administrations have been directed to remain on high alert and evacuate residents from low-lying areas if the situation worsens.

Northern Odisha has been the worst affected by incessant rainfall triggered by a deep depression. According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD),Balasorerecorded the highest rainfall at246.6 mm, followed byNilgiri (239 mm), Jaipur (236.8 mm), Remuna (222 mm)andGovindpur (213.8 mm).

Chief Engineer of the Water Resources DepartmentDilip Kumar Routsaid water levels in the Jalaka, Salandi and Baitarani rivers continue to rise and may soon cross the danger mark.

Revenue and Disaster Management Minister Suresh Pujari said all disaster response teams have been strategically positioned, while district authorities have been instructed to relocate people from vulnerable locations to safer places.

In Balasore, overflowing waters of the Jalaka River have entered parts of the district headquarters and Nilgiri, inundating residential areas and disrupting road connectivity. Officials warned that the situation could deteriorate further by evening.

On the Mahanadi River, Rout said all gates of the Hirakud Dam remain closed and the reservoir level is being maintained at 611–612 feet, well below its full capacity of630 feet. He added that the discharge through Mundali near Cuttack, currently around 6.5 lakh cusecs, is expected to reduce to 6 lakh cusecs by evening. However, low-lying areas in Nimapada of Puri district and parts of Jagatsinghpur may experience temporary flooding.

TheBudhabalang Riveris also swelling due to heavy rainfall in the Similipal Hills, posing a flood risk to Mayurbhanj district. Additional District Magistrate Ishwar Chandra Naik said 10 multi-purpose flood and cyclone shelters have been kept ready, while schools and community centres have been prepared to accommodate evacuees. Food arrangements have also been made for displaced residents.

Meanwhile,Bhadrakwitnessed the season's first flood after water from theSalandi Riverinundated large areas of agricultural land, damaging standing crops. The flooding followed the release of water from theHadagarh Damafter heavy rainfall in the river's upper catchment