Bhubaneswar, Aug. 5: Flash floods have hit many areas in the south-western districts of the state following heavy rains because of a low pressure formed over the Bay of Bengal.

While swollen rivers have breached embankments in parts of the Kalahandi district and inundated a number of villages, the Bhawanipatna–Jeypore-Viskhapatnam and Junagarh-Dharamgarh roads have also been cut off.

Floodwater of Hati river is flowing over NH-26 at Junagarh in Kalahandi district, leaving hundreds of vehicles stranded on the roads.

The Kalahandi district administration has been asked to evacuate people of the five marooned villages. However, no casualties have been reported so far from any part.

Water in the Kolab river is also flowing at the danger level. The state government has asked the field staff to evacuate the people of the marooned areas.

On the other hand, water level in various river systems in the coastal belt, including Mahanadi, is on a rise.

Though Brahmani and Baitarani rivers are also swelling, water in these two rivers is still flowing below the danger level. However, the state government has asked people not to panic as things were under control.

Special relief commissioner Pradipta Kumar Mohapatra said: “There is nothing to worry. We have kept a close watch on all the river systems. To meet with any emergent needs, the state government has cancelled the leaves of all the district collectors and asked them to be present at the headquarters. The entire government machinery is on its toes to face any eventualities.”

Mohapatra assured even though more rainfall was expected in the next few hours, there would not be a flood in the Mahanadi river system.

The Hirakud reservoir authorities today released more water to the Mahanadi river system by opening 19 sluice gates. The water level of the Hirakud reservoir stood at 609.41ft by evening against its full storage capacity of 630ft.

“We are also expecting more water inflow in the Mahanadi river system as its tributary Tel is discharging huge water to the river system. However, we are capable of handling release of the Mahanadi water to the sea without causing any harm to the low-lying areas,” said an official of the water resources department.