Jajpur/Bhadrak, July 28: Incessant rain in the catchments areas has triggered a flood in the Baitarani river and its tributaries in Jajpur, Keonjhar and Bhadrak districts.

The Baitarani water level is flowing above the danger mark at Akhuapada in Jajpur and Anandapur in Keonjhar districts, said Jajpur district emergency officer Namita Barik.

As there was no let-up in the rain, the river continued to swell at an alarming rate till the last report came in. Apprehending flood at any moment, hundreds of villagers residing near the riverside have been spending sleepless nights since Monday.

The Jajpur-Bhadrak Road remained cut-off as the Baitarani floodwater submerged it at several places today afternoon. Water has also gushed into some low-lying villages of Dasarathapur block in the afternoon.

The Jajpur district administration sounded an alert in some parts of Dasarathapur, Korei and Jajpur blocks in the wake of the rising water level in the Baitarani and its tributaries. The district administration today took stock of the flood situation.

Jajpur district collector Satya Kumar Mallick directed all the block development officers of the district to make flood shelters operational in their respective areas.

"In view of the possible flood-like situation, instructions have been issued to the BDOs to stock food stuff in inaccessible places and ready boats for rescue operation," said Mallick, who has also cancelled the employees' leave and asked those on leave to join duty immediately.

Yesterday, Jajpur recorded 1,392mm rainfall, out of which Dasarathpur block registered 240mm rainfall.

Traffic on the Harichandanpur-Ghatagaon Road in Keonjhar district has also been disrupted. Besides, the Bhadrak district administration has also stepped up vigil as fear of flood looms large.