Odisha Government Issues High Alert Amid Rising Mahanadi River Flood Risks
High Alert Declared in Coastal Areas of Odisha
In response to the anticipated 'medium' flood conditions in the Mahanadi River, the Odisha government has issued a high alert for densely populated coastal regions. Officials have confirmed this development. Revenue and Disaster Management Minister Suresh Pujari stated on Thursday that approximately nine lakh cusecs of water is flowing at the Mundali Barrage near Cuttack, raising concerns about potential flooding in Khurda, Cuttack, Puri, Jagatsinghpur, and Kendrapara districts.
Flooding Reports and Safety Measures
Pujari mentioned that reports have emerged of floodwaters entering the Agharpada and Badamba areas of Cuttack. He has instructed the district collector to ensure the evacuation of residents to safer locations and to deploy rescue teams. Dilip Kumar Raut, the chief engineer of the Water Resources Department, emphasized that the next 36 hours are critical, as the flood flow in the Mahanadi is expected to peak. He noted that a flow exceeding eight lakh cusecs is classified as 'medium flood'.
Casualties and Precautionary Measures
So far, three fatalities have been reported due to flood-related incidents. Raut added that personnel have been stationed in sensitive areas to safeguard the embankments of the Mahanadi and its tributaries in Khurda, Puri, Kendrapara, and Jagatsinghpur districts. However, he reassured that the Mundali Barrage has previously managed flows of 10 to 12 lakh cusecs.
Flood Forecast and Priorities
Officials predict that by Thursday evening, the flow at Mundali could exceed nine lakh cusecs, potentially leading to flooding in the Mahanadi and its tributaries, including Luna, Karandiya, Chitrotpala, Paika, Salia, Devi, Kandala, Kuakhai, Kushabhadra, Daya, and Bhargavi. Raut stated, 'Our priority is to ensure that no embankments breach and that there are no casualties.'
Emergency Response and Relief Efforts
Concerns about waterlogging in low-lying areas have been raised. Experienced officials in flood management have been deployed to sensitive districts. Special Relief Commissioner Rajesh Prabhakar Pati has directed district collectors in the Mahanadi delta region to remain on high alert, and government employees' leaves have been canceled in affected areas. Pujari reported after an aerial survey with senior officials that over seven lakh people in 20 out of 30 districts have been impacted by the recent floods.
Evacuations and Ongoing Support
Approximately 1.90 lakh individuals have been relocated to safer areas and accommodated in 520 relief camps. Pati noted that a total of 123 rescue teams from the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), Odisha Disaster Rapid Response Force, and fire services have been deployed across various districts. Meanwhile, Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi, currently in Delhi, has instructed all district collectors to remain vigilant and ensure timely assistance to those affected.
Public Assurance
He urged the public not to panic regarding the flood situation, emphasizing that the safety and security of citizens is the government's top priority.