Bhubaneswar, Aug. 14 -- Flooding in several northern Odisha districts threatened to worsen on Friday as heavy rain pushed up river levels, inundated villages and farmland, disrupted road links and forced residents to take shelter on rooftops and embankments.

The Central Water Commission (CWC) warned of a flash-flood risk in 11 districts, while the India Meteorological Department (IMD) forecast heavy rain in parts of northern Odisha through August 17 and in western districts until August 15. Balasore, Mayurbhanj, Keonjhar, Sundargarh and several other districts have been affected by the latest spell of rain.

In Mayurbhanj, flooding in the Budhabalanga river submerged several areas of Betanati block, affecting 16 gram panchayats and inund...