Jajpur has experienced significant flooding due to continuous rainfall in the upper catchment areas of the Baitarani river, which has severely impacted daily life in numerous villages within the Dasarathapur block. Reports indicate that an 80-foot-wide breach occurred in the embankment of the Kani river, a tributary of the Baitarani, near Ahiyaas Bazaar in Kaspa panchayat at around 4:50 AM following heavy overnight rainfall. This resulted in extensive flooding, affecting at least 46 villages across 14 panchayats in the Dasarathapur block. With the Baitarani river exceeding the danger level, strong currents compromised the integrity of the Kani river embankment, leading to its collapse.
Consequently, floodwaters inundated nearby communities, agricultural fields, and several areas became isolated, with large sections of farmland submerged. Locals reported that the breach expanded rapidly, threatening additional communities downstream. According to a senior official from the Water Resources Department, the Baitarani river was recorded at 18.86 meters on Monday evening, significantly surpassing the danger threshold of 18.33 meters at Akhuapada, due to persistent rainfall in the upper regions. Jajpur District Emergency Officer Ashok Kumar Behera confirmed the rising water levels. District officials have activated disaster response teams to evacuate residents from flooded areas, providing food and shelter to those affected. Medical personnel, including doctors, have been deployed, with special provisions made for children and the elderly.
Jajpur Collector Ambar Kumar Kar stated that shelter homes equipped with essential amenities have been established, and no fatalities have been reported as of now.
