Rain Fury / Baitarani, Salandi Rivers Swell, Villages Flooded in Bhadrak

Bhadrak, Sep 26: The Baitarani and Salandi rivers have surged past danger levels, inundating villages and farmland across Bhadrak district in Odisha and severely disrupting road connectivity, officials said on Saturday.

Heavy rains from a deep depression have caused several rivers to swell and triggered flood alerts across Odisha, compounding risks in low‑lying areas.

At Akhuapada Anicut, the Baitarani river was flowing at 19.30 metres at 5 a.m. on Saturday, well above the danger mark of 18.33 metres. Floodwaters entered habitations through the Konti escape channel, inundating villages in six panchayats under Bhandaripokhari block.

The Salandi river has also surged past danger levels. At Rajghat, where the danger mark is 17 feet, the river was recorded at 18.70 feet early morning. Villages and farmland in Arnapal and Bishnupur Bindha panchayats under Bhadrak block were submerged.

Connectivity has been hit hard. At Rajmukundpur, the Nalia river bridge was under two feet of water, while in Tihidi block, the Matagajpur bridge in Talagop Bindha panchayat was similarly inundated. Locals reported severe difficulties in commuting as both bridges remained submerged.

Also Read: Widespread Rainfall Causes Significant Damage Across Odisha

Officials said waterlogging has disrupted normal life, with agricultural fields inundated and transport routes cut off. The administration is monitoring the situation closely, while residents in affected areas face mounting challenges.

Heavy rainfall across northern Odisha has compounded flood risks, pushing river levels above danger marks and leaving large swathes of Bhadrak district under water.