Kataka: Incessant rainfall has triggered the season's first flood in the Sapua River in Odisha's Kataka district, raising concerns over possible flooding in Athagada and surrounding areas. Floodwater was flowing close to the river bridge, while several low-lying areas of Athagada town witnessed severe waterlogging.

The continuous downpour has disrupted normal life with a flood-like situation in many locations. If the rainfall continues, the possibility of a larger flood situation cannot be ruled out.

Hundreds of acres of farmland in villages including Sathilo, Kuanla, Samasarpur, Raghunathpur, Ichhapur, Jenapada and Khunkakata under Athagarh block have been submerged due to the rising water level. The inundation has raised fears of significant crop losses if the water does not recede soon. 

Block Agriculture Officer Priyanath Patra said the actual extent of crop damage would be assessed only after the rainfall stops. He said a detailed report on the losses would be available three days after the rain subsides.

Meanwhile, Athagarh Block Development Officer (BDO) Akash Kumar Panda said the block administration is fully prepared to deal with any emergency. He added that two cyclone shelters have been kept ready in the block as a precautionary measure in case the situation worsens.