Bhubaneswar, Aug 17: Several rivers in Odisha continued to flow above or close to danger levels on Monday, triggering widespread inundation in villages, agricultural fields and roads across Balasore, Bhadrak, Jajpur, Keonjhar and Kendrapada districts.

In Balasore, the Subarnarekha river began rising again after briefly stabilising around 4 am. Although it remained below the danger mark, floodwater continued to surround several villages, submerging roads, houses and thousands of hectares of farmland. More than 30 villages across eight panchayats in Baliapal block reportedly remained inundated, with residents using boats for transportation.

The Jalaka river was flowing above the danger level at Mathani. Against the danger mark of 5.50 metres, the water level stood at 6.52 metres at 6 am. More than 100 villages and large agricultural areas have been affected across Basta and Balasore Sadar blocks. Water has reportedly entered nearly 100 houses in Basuchakurai panchayat.

Meanwhile, heavy water discharge from Devagiri hills led to the closure of Panchalingeswar Peeth, leaving four priests and staff stranded.

In Bhadrak, the Salandi river crossed the danger mark at Rajghat, reaching 17.70 feet against the danger level of 17 feet. Around four feet of water was flowing over the Rajamukundapur and Matagajpur bridges, disrupting connectivity.

The Baitarani and Salandi rivers were also flowing above danger levels near Akhuapada, inundating parts of Bhandaripokhari and Dhamnagar blocks. Road connectivity to Akhandalamani Peeth remained disrupted, even as devotees travelled through waterlogged routes on Shravan Monday.

In Keonjhar, the Baitarani river crossed the danger mark at Patna, reaching 311.22 metres against 311.10 metres. Authorities have advised people living near riverbanks to remain alert.

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