Bhubaneswar, Jul 6: Continuous rainfall across Odisha has worsened the flood situation, with several districts reporting inundation, crop damage, and rescue operations.

Water Resources Chief Engineer Dillip Kumar Rout warned of possible minor flooding in low-lying areas of Jajpur, Akhuapada, and Bhadrak within the next 24 hours due to heavy rainfall in the upper catchment of the Baitarani river. He said the danger mark may be crossed after 4 pm, with Jajpur likely to be most affected.

According to Rout, the Baitarani basin has already recorded 73 mm of rainfall, while July rainfall has exceeded 327 mm compared to the average 271 mm. Hirakud Dam is witnessing increased inflow, but gates will not be opened until water levels reach 607 feet.

Also read: Bhubaneswar Rewrites July Rain Record With 112.3 mm Downpour

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) reported heavy rainfall at 11 locations across the state, with Sonepur recording the highest at 328.4 mm in the past 24 hours.

Other major rainfall figures include Ullunda (290 mm), Belgaon (279 mm), Telkoi (276.6 mm), Khairmal (258 mm), Burla (256.4 mm), and Kantamal (246.8 mm).

In Titlagarh, continuous downpour has led to water entering homes, particularly in Ward No. 14 of Amandapada, leaving residents sleepless and frustrated with the lack of municipal response. Balangir district also faced severe flooding, with rescue teams saving eight people along with 30 cattle and 100 goats stranded on a high patch of land in Saintala block.

Crop damage has been extensive, especially in Cuttack district’s Tigiria block, where farmlands in Hatmal Panchayat’s Bishnupur village remain submerged. Farmers reported losses of vegetables like beans, brinjal, and ridge gourd, along with paddy fields, with investments made through loans now at risk.

The relentless rainfall has also caused breaches in embankments, power outages due to uprooted poles, and widespread waterlogging in urban areas. Authorities are on alert, with disaster management teams deployed to monitor vulnerable regions.

With forecasts predicting continued rainfall, Odisha braces for further challenges as floodwaters threaten lives, property, and agriculture across multiple districts.