Jajpur: Low-pressure induced heavy rain over the past three days has created flood-like situation in many areas of Dasarathapur, Jajpur and Korei blocks of the district with the water level in the Baitarani flowing above danger levels. Alarmingly, the river is on the rise.

The Brahmani river is also flowing at 18.10m against the danger mark of 17.83m near Akhuapada.

Many people from low-lying areas of Dasarathapur and Korei blocks in Jajpur and Dhamnagar and Bhadari- pokhari blocks in neighbouring Bhadrak district, are living in fear because of the rise in the Baitarini's water level over the past three days.

But, floodwater from the Baitarani has gushed into the farmland, drowning hundreds acres of paddy plantations in at least in 10 panchayats of Bhadrak.

An official from the water resources department predicted further rise in the level of the Baitarani, adding to the worry of the district administration of both Jajpur and Bhadrak.

Besides, water levels in Brahamani, Kani and Kharasrota rivers are also on the rise. The Brahmani river was flowing at 21m on Sunday evening against its danger limit of 22m at Jenapur.

Villagers living along the Baitrani are in a state of panic and spending sleepless nights. The Jajpur district administration on Sunday directed three block administrations to be prepared for a possible flood.

Jajpur collector Ranjan Kumar Das said: "Block development officers of Dasarathapur, Korei and Jajpur had been asked to keep vigil on weak embankments and alert people in low-lying areas."

He said people residing in low-lying areas should not panic as the district administration was ready to face any eventuality, adding that there was no danger from the Brahmani at this time.

Crime branch probe

The BJP's national secretary Suresh Pujari on Sunday urged chief minister Naveen Patnaik to direct the crime branch to investigate the murder of noted social activist Parshuram Pradhan. Pradhan, of Naktideol block in Sambalpur district, was a popular RTI activist and former sarpanch of Salebhata gram panchayat of Chamarda village. He was killed by a group of persons allegedly involved in criminal activities with corruption charges against them on August 27.

The BJP leader said it was shocking that the murder took place in the evening and the autopsy conducted on the next day at 3pm, creating doubts about the role of police.