The Bhadrak district administration has cancelled the leave of all government officers and employees in view of the worsening flood situation following incessant rainfall across Odisha.

The district administration has directed all officials and employees to remain at their respective headquarters until further orders. Those who are currently on leave have been instructed to return and join duty immediately.

The flood situation in Bhadrak has turned critical as several rivers continue to swell following continuous rainfall. Low-lying areas in several parts of the district have been inundated, while floodwater flowing over roads has disrupted communication at multiple locations.

At Akhuapada, the Baitarani River was flowing at 18.38 metres against the danger mark of 18.33 metres. The Salandi River at Rajghat was also flowing close to the danger level.

Although water levels had declined slightly on Saturday, fresh rainfall has caused the rivers to rise again. Floodwater has submerged the Bhadrak-Aradi road near Kothar, disrupting road communication. Several low-lying areas of Dhamnagar, Tihidi and Bhandaripokhari blocks have also been affected.

Areas under Baro, Bilana and Baras in Tihidi block, along with Dhusuri, Asurali and Raipur panchayats in Dhamnagar block, have reported flooding. The administration has started shifting residents to safer locations and providing dry food and other essential relief materials.

Meanwhile, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecast heavy rainfall across Odisha until August 20. Heavy rain, thunderstorms and gusty winds of 30-40 kmph are likely in several parts of the state during the next five days.

For Sunday, an Orange Warning has been issued for Mayurbhanj, Balasore and Keonjhar districts for heavy to very heavy rainfall. Other districts are also likely to experience heavy rain, lightning and gusty winds.

For Monday, a Red Warning has been issued for Mayurbhanj and Balasore, with the possibility of extremely heavy to exceptionally heavy rainfall. Orange Warnings are in place for Keonjhar, Bhadrak, Jajpur, Dhenkanal, Cuttack, Kendrapara and Jagatsinghpur, while a Yellow Watch has been issued for the remaining districts.

For August 18, an Orange Warning has been issued for Sundargarh, Jharsuguda, Sambalpur and Bargarh districts for heavy to very heavy rainfall. The remaining districts are likely to receive heavy rain accompanied by lightning and winds reaching 30-40 kmph.

With more rainfall expected, the Bhadrak administration has stepped up preparedness and directed government personnel to remain available at their headquarters to deal with any emerging flood-related situation.

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