Jajpur, July 30 (UDN): Large parts of Odisha’s Jajpur district remained inundated on Thursday as swelling waters of the Baitarani, Brahmani and Kharasrota rivers triggered widespread flooding, disrupting normal life and affecting several villages, farmlands and religious sites.

Officials said the district is facing one of the season’s most severe flood situations, with all three major rivers flowing above the danger mark. Although the Baitarani River has shown a marginal decline at some locations, the flood threat continues as the Brahmani River has risen sharply, worsening the situation in several areas.

At Jenapur, the Baitarani was flowing nearly one foot above the danger level of 67 feet, leading to extensive flooding in Bari, Dharmasala and Rasulpur blocks. Floodwaters have entered villages, damaged road connectivity and submerged hundreds of acres of agricultural land, raising concerns among farmers.

The rising water level has also inundated the revered Baba Gokarneshwar Temple in Dharmasala block. The temple complex has gone completely under water, with floodwaters entering and submerging the shrine, reflecting the severity of the flooding in the district.

Meanwhile, the flood situation has intensified in neighbouring Cuttack district, where the swelling Mahanadi River has once again reached the Maa Bhattarika Temple at Badamba. Temple authorities shifted the deity to a temporary shrine after nearly six feet of water entered the temple premises, allowing daily rituals to continue without interruption.

Continuous rainfall over the past two days, coupled with increased inflows into the Mahanadi basin, has further aggravated the flood situation. The opening of gates at the Hirakud Dam to regulate the rising reservoir level has added to river discharge downstream, prompting authorities to maintain close surveillance over vulnerable areas.

District administrations have stepped up monitoring, while rescue and relief teams remain on standby. Residents living in low-lying and riverside villages have been advised to remain alert, avoid venturing into floodwaters and follow official advisories as the situation continues to evolve.