Jajpur: Heavy downpour caused by low pressure over the past four days have triggered the possibility of floods in many areas of Dasarathapur, Jajpur and Korei blocks of the district with the water level in the Brahmani, Baitarani and Kharasrota rivers rapidly rising.

The Baitarani river reportedly flowed above the danger mark at Akhuapada around 6pm on Monday.

Water level in the Brahmani is also rising rapidly and just flowing below the red mark at Jenapur. The Baitarani river flowed at 17.86 metres (danger mark is 17.83 metres) at Akhuapada, which has added to the worry of the district administration of both Jajpur and Bhadrak. The water level was rising when the last report came in. The Brahmani river was at 21 metres on Monday evening (danger mark is 22 metres) at Jenapur and the water level was rising. An official said the water level in both the rivers was expected to rise further as rainfall continues in the catchment areas. Villagers living along the Baitrani and Brahmani rivers in the district are in a state of panic with the water level rising amid incessant rain. The Baitarani is flowing above the danger mark at Akhuapada and at least 10 panchayats in Dhamnagar and Bhandaripokhari of Bhadrak and five to six panchayats of Jajpur district might be affected by the flood, official sources said.

The authorities on Monday directed all the block administrations to be prepared for a possible flood situation.

Sources said the Mahanadi water level would rise further once flood water from the dam was released and some parts of the Barachana and Dharmasala blocks may be affected by possible floods. Jajpur collector-in-charge Braja Gopal Acharya said the BDOs had been asked to keep vigil on weak embankments and alert people in low-lying areas.