Jajpur: The fourth flood of the season in the Baitarani river has once again worsened the situation in Dasarathpur block of Odisha’s Jajpur district. Floodwater from the Kani river, a branch of the Baitarani, has entered several villages through a breach at Dovabil Patana under Tarpada panchayat.

Six villages under Kasapa and Tarpada panchayats have been completely inundated. The breach has also started widening, raising concerns among locals.

Floodwater has risen to more than five feet in areas including Katikata Majhi Sahi, Kapudiasahi and Jayantara Mahapatra Sahi. Many residents have been forced to take shelter on rooftops.

Road communication has also been severely affected. Around two feet of floodwater is flowing over the Katia-Baishapan main road at Ahiyas Bazar, cutting off connectivity. The Ahiyas-Tarpada road has also been washed away, further disrupting communication.

The latest flood has added to the suffering of hundreds of families who have been struggling with repeated flooding for nearly a month. The area witnessed its first flood on July 6, when the Kani river breached at Kantapada.

During the second flood on July 28, two breaches occurred in the Kani river at Dovabil Patana, while another breach was reported in the Baitarani ring embankment near Jayantara Mahapatra Sahi.

The third flood arrived on August 8, causing the repaired breaches to give way again. With the fourth flood now affecting the area, several families have still not been able to return home.

Many flood-hit residents are currently staying either on rooftops or under makeshift tarpaulin shelters near the river embankment.