Bhubaneswar: The flood situation in several parts of Odisha remained critical on Friday with embankment breaches and rising river levels.

In Jajpur district, seven breaches have been reported in three rivers following heavy inflows. The Brahmani River has developed four breaches, while two breaches have occurred on the Kani, a distributary of the Baitarani River. Another breach has been reported on the Nua Mahara, a distributary of the Kharasrota River.

The flooding has affected around 250 villages in the district, impacting more than one lakh people. Authorities have evacuated over 10,000 people to safer locations.

In Bhadrak district, the water level of the Salandi River has risen again and was flowing at 18.50 feet at Rajghat, well above the danger mark of 17.00 feet. The flood has affected Bhadrak, Chandbali, Tihidi and Dhamnagar blocks.

Water levels in the Kansabansa and Gamei rivers have also increased, leading to flooding in seven panchayats of Basudevpur block.

Meanwhile, in Puri district, the Devi and Bhargavi rivers were flowing above their danger levels. At Balanga, the Bhargavi River was flowing at 11.25 feet against the danger mark of 10.42 feet. Similarly, the Devi River at Bauriakana was flowing at 5.08 feet, exceeding the danger level of 4.95 feet.