3 DISTS ON FLOOD ALERT

Keeping in view the flood situation in the northern districts, the state government has sent rescue and relief teams of ODRAF, NDRF, and Fire Services to Balasore, Bhadrak, Kendrapara, and Jajpur districts

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The state government Saturday put the Balasore, Bhadrak and Jajpur district authorities on high alert and asked them to go for evacuation of people from low-lying areas as several rivers were in spate, officials said.

According to the State Flood Cell, the water levels of Jalaka and Baitarani rivers have already breached the danger marks, while the Subarnarekha in Balasore district are swelling at an alarming rate, amid heavy rain in the region.

Downpour in Mayurbhanj and Keonjhar districts caused arise in the water levels in the Subarnarekha, Jalaka and Baitarani rivers, an official said.

The Mayurbhanj district recorded 94mm of rainfall in the last 24 hours, with 13 blocks registering over 100mm, making it one of the wettest belts, he said.

The Jalaka and Baitarani catchment areas also received heavy rainfall, leading to rapid water accumulation, the official said. Several low-lying areas in Balasore district have already been inundated, and the situation could get worse Sunday, he said.