Flood Alerts Issued as Rivers Surge Amidst Heavy Rainfall in Odisha

Odisha is currently grappling with severe flood threats as continuous heavy rainfall has caused the Baitarani and Subarnarekha rivers to rise dangerously. With significant rainfall recorded in various regions, authorities are on high alert, monitoring the situation closely. Flood warnings have been issued for multiple districts, including Bhograi and Jaleswar. The rising water levels and forecasts of more rain have raised concerns among officials, prompting them to take necessary precautions. Stay informed about the latest updates on this developing situation.

By Narendra Chaudhary Aug 24, 2025, 10:04 IST

Severe Rainfall Triggers Flood Warnings

Bhandaripokhari is currently facing significant challenges as relentless rainfall over the last four days has caused the Baitarani and Subarnarekha rivers to rise alarmingly, leading to flood warnings across multiple districts.

In the Bhandaripokhari block, the Baitarani River at Akhuapada surpassed the danger threshold of 18.33 meters on Saturday afternoon, reaching 18.43 meters by 6 PM, marking the third flood wave of the season.

The river's water level is increasing at a rate of 5mm per hour.

Recent rainfall data shows substantial precipitation, with Champua receiving 63.66 mm, Swampatana 19.8 mm, Anandapur 68.2 mm, and Akhuapada 38.12 mm in the last 24 hours.

Authorities predict that floodwaters could peak at 18.90 meters.

Additionally, the Subarnarekha River has risen at Rajghat in the Jaleswar block due to water being released from the Galudihi barrage located in Jharkhand.

Forecasts indicate heavy to very heavy rainfall in the upper regions of Jharkhand, prompting the Water Resources department to remain on high alert.

Currently, 13 gates of the Galudihi dam are discharging water at a rate of 5,400 cubic meters per second into the Subarnarekha River.

Recent rainfall reports from Jharkhand include 122.48 mm at Jamshedpur, 44.66 mm at Fekghat, 81.91 mm at Ghatsila, and 51.48 mm at Jamsula, as per the Central Water Commission.

At Rajghat, the Subarnarekha River is currently at 9.45 meters, just below the danger mark of 10.36 meters, with water levels rising at 20 mm per hour, exceeding normal flow by 7.56 meters.

Officials, including Assistant Executive Engineers Priyabrata Singh, Basant Kumar Behera, Pramath Kumar Dey, Daktara Singh, and Junior Engineer Chittaranjan Sial, are conducting continuous monitoring of river embankments.

Flood alerts have been issued for the blocks of Bhograi, Baliapal, Jaleswar, and Basta.