Bhubaneswar: Bansadhara and Baitarani rivers have swelled due to incessant and heavy rainfall in the upper catchment areas, posing flood threat for residents of the concerned low-lying places.

Water level of Bansadhara river surged and surpassed the danger mark in Gajapati district today.

According to reports, the water level was at 54.90 meters, exceeding the danger mark of 54.60 meters near Kashinagar.

Locals are apprehensive about the possibility of low-lying areas getting flooded. In response to the situation, the district administration has issued a precautionary advisory to alert them.

In a related development, neighboring Andhra Pradesh has released the first floodwater of the season through 17 gates of the Gotta barrage in Srikakulam. To ensure effective water management, the Gajapati district administration is closely monitoring the situation in the neighboring state.

On the other hand, the Baitarani river's water level has also risen due to continuous rainfall, crossing the danger mark at Rajghat. The river's water level stood at 39.14 meters against the danger mark of 36.36 meters.