Bihar, Friday 19 Sept 2008: Flood situation remained grim in Bhagalpur District in Bihar, even as authorities step up relief work in the flood-ravaged region.

The situation has worsened in Naugachchia sub-division of the district as some fishermen slashed a soil embankment with an intention to get fish down in the region, but water gushed in many villages.

Thousands have been evacuated as incessant rain coupled with a low-pressure area over Bay of Bengal that threatens to deteriorate situation in the Orissa.

The worst affected districts - Cuttack, Kendrapara, Jagatsinghpur and Puri districts have been put on high alert on Thursday following fear of a possible flood that could hit on September 19.

The largest river in Orissa - Mahanadi along with other rivers as Kathajodi, Rushikulya, Banshadhara, Brahmani, Baitarani, Budhabalanga, Hati and other small rivers are flowing above the danger level.

Incessant heavy rains have caused water in the Hirakud Dam built over the Mahanadi River to cross the danger level. Large amount of water has been released from the dam, which has further worsened the situation in areas downstream the river.