Relief and rehabilitation measures were stepped up on Tuesday in six flood-ravaged districts of Orissa, where rivers flowing above the danger mark have affected more than 16 lakh people.

Though rain's fury subsided in many places, vast areas in Balasore, Bhadrak, Mayurbhanj, Kendrapara, Cuttack and Jajpur districts remained submerged in flood waters, paralysing normal life and leaving hundreds marooned, official sources said.

Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik, who undertook an aerial survey of the affected areas, asked authorities to intensify relief work and provide medical assistance, besides carrying out rescue operations.

The flood situation remained grim in Balasore district, with the Subarnarekha river flowing one metre above the danger mark and the water level steadily rising, sources said.

Relief measures were on in full swing in the district, where medical teams and boats were pressed into service to distribute essential items in inaccessible areas to an estimated 6.5 lakh flood-affected people. The floods have affected around ten lakh people in Kendrapara district and nearby areas as the overflowing Brahmani and Baitarani rivers ravaged agricultural land and damaged hundreds of houses, said sources.