The flood situation in Odisha worsened on Wednesday as the Baitarani and Salandi rivers surged above danger levels, inundating villages and snapping road connectivity in Jajpur and Bhadrak districts.
At Akhuapada anicut, the Baitarani was flowing at 20.40 metres, well above the danger mark of 18.33 metres. A 100‑foot embankment breach at Mahapatra Sahi in Jayantara village submerged the locality, leaving nearly 100 families marooned. The district administration shifted residents to a relief shelter at Swami Vivekananda High School.
Floodwater at Jayantara has risen to the same level as Mahapatra Sahi, while at Tarai Sahi in Katikata, water depth reached six feet. Nearly two feet of water is flowing over the main embankment, prompting emergency protection work with sandbags and bamboo supports.
In Kantapada, floodwater from the Kani branch river entered agricultural fields, raising fears of extensive crop damage.
The situation has also deteriorated in Bhadrak district, where both the Salandi and Baitarani rivers surged overnight. Floodwater spread from villages into urban areas, leaving large parts waterlogged.
Road connectivity between Dhamnagar and Jajpur was snapped after the Sendahpur bridge and ghat went underwater.
Authorities continue to monitor the situation, with relief and protection measures underway to prevent further damage.
