Balasore, July 27: The fear of a flash flood looms large in north Odisha as several rivers flowing through this town, Bhadrak and Mayurbanj are in spate following heavy rain in their upper catchment areas.

The rain has been triggered by a deep depression over the Bay of Bengal.

Baripada town of Mayurbhanj is experiencing a flood-like situation with water entering at least six wards of municipal area. About 100 families have been evacuated to safer places and are being provided with food and other necessary things.

Ajay Behera of ward No. 9 said: “Everything was normal till this afternoon. But, floodwater suddenly gushed in. We did not get any time to remove our household items.”

Most of the flood-affected people are now lodged in the school buildings of Belgadia, Deul Sahi and Sarat Chandra Bidyapitha, said Sib Narayan Kisku, the chairman of Baripada Municipality.

“We have evacuated around 400 people and lodged them in different schools. Both cooked and dry food are being served to them. They will be provided with accommodation and food till the situation becomes normal here,” Kisku said.

Additional district magistrate of Baripada Surtha Chandra Mallick said: “A sudden spate in the river has resulted in the situation. We are taking all necessary relief measures. The damages will be assessed once the situation becomes normal.”

“The water level of the river is receding. But, we are still keeping a watch on it,” he said.