Bhubaneswar, Sept. 18 -- Though the water levels in major rivers have been gradual falling off since Friday evening, several low-lying areas in many districts of the State still remain submerged affecting thousands of lives in the regions.

The water level of the Subarnarekha and Jalaka rivers passing through the Balasore district has receded but still many villages in Baliapal, Bhogarai and Jaleswar blocks have been marooned. Floodwater has submerged several roads in these two blocks forcing people to use country boats to communicate.

Around 30 villages in Baliapal block, including Panchurukhi, Charabasta, Kalaroi, Baliapal, Tala Baliapal, Asti Surjapur and Jamkunda have remained flooded making villagers shift to safer places.

Over 50,...