Bhubaneswar, July 7: Incessant rains, caused by a low-pressure system over the Bay of Bengal, plunged many parts of Odisha into a flood crisis, with rivers breaching danger marks and villages submerged across districts like Balasore, Mayurbhanj, Jharsuguda, and Koraput, officials said on Monday.

The overflow of rivers such as Subarnarekha, Budhabalanga, and Hatia has disrupted daily life, damaged infrastructure, and forced evacuations.

According to sources, Subarnarekha River crossed danger levels at Rajghat, flooding over 30 villages in Balasore, while Jharsuguda witnessed road washouts, creating transportation chaos and isolating communities.

Similarly, heavy rainfall in Koraput led to rising streams that submerged key roads, halting transport and stranding vehicles. The district administration has issued diversions and remains on high alert as water levels continue to rise.

On the otherhand, a bridge collapsed under the pressure of swollen streams in Mayurbhanj, cutting off connectivity to several villages. And, Angul district reported complete submergence of three villages, prompting urgent rescue and relief operations.

The Budhabalanga River, which flows through northern Odisha, is swelling rapidly. Chief Engineer of Water Resources Department, Chandra Sekhar Padhi confirmed that the river is nearing danger levels, raising concerns for downstream regions. Authorities have issued alerts and mobilized disaster response teams to mitigate risks.

Meanwhile, as many as 20 gates of the Hirakud Dam have been opened to release excess floodwater from the reservoir. The discharge is expected to reach Munduli tomorrow, potentially impacting low-lying areas along the Mahanadi River basin.

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) forecast continued heavy rainfall till July 12, with red and orange alerts in place for several districts. Residents in flood-prone zones are advised to remain vigilant and follow official safety instructions.

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