Severe Flooding Continues in Odisha Amid Rising River Levels
Flood Situation Remains Critical in Northern Odisha
Bhubaneswar, July 30 – The flood situation in Odisha remained dire on Thursday, particularly in four northern districts where conditions are alarming. The rising water levels of the Mahanadi River have raised concerns about flooding in lower-lying areas, according to officials. Suresh Pujari, the state's Revenue and Disaster Management Minister, reported that while some rivers in northern Odisha have begun to recede, they still flow above danger levels.
He noted that continuous rainfall has led to the inundation of several more areas overnight. "The administration is on high alert, and all officials in flood-affected districts have had their leaves canceled," he stated. Due to the persistent rainfall caused by a deep low-pressure area, many villages in Balasore, Bhadrak, Jajpur, and Mayurbhanj districts have been submerged.
In light of the rainfall forecast from the India Meteorological Department (IMD) and the ongoing flood situation, the administration has ordered the closure of schools and Anganwadi centers in Bhadrak, Jajpur, Nabarangpur, and Kalahandi districts.
Rescue operations have been intensified, with over 165,000 individuals relocated to safer areas. More than six lakh people have been affected by the floods so far. Jajpur District Collector Ambar Kumar Kar reported that the flood situation worsened due to breaches at two points in the embankment of the Kani River, a tributary of the Baitarani River, near Patna in the Dasarathpur block on Wednesday night.
Officials indicated that the breaches have surrounded several villages with water and caused flooding in new areas, severely impacting residents in three blocks. Meanwhile, the rising water levels of the Mahanadi have become a significant concern for the administration. Following heavy rainfall in the upper catchment areas of Chhattisgarh and Madhya Pradesh, districts along the river have been advised to remain vigilant.
An official mentioned that floodwaters from the Tel, Ib, and Jira rivers are also contributing to the rising levels of the Mahanadi. The Hirakud Dam recorded a water level of 620 feet, with its full reservoir capacity being 630 feet. Currently, the dam is receiving an inflow of 331,063 cusecs (cubic feet per second) while releasing 64,109 cusecs through two gates.
They warned that if the water levels continue to rise, additional gates of the dam may need to be opened. Dilip Kumar Raut, Chief Engineer of the Water Resources Department, stated that around 6 AM on Thursday, approximately eight lakh cusecs of water was flowing near Munduli, which could increase to nine lakh cusecs by evening, raising the likelihood of moderate flooding in the Mahanadi system.
Chief Minister Mohan Chara Majhi, currently on a visit to Delhi, posted on social media Wednesday night, instructing all district collectors to maintain high vigilance and ensure timely assistance reaches affected individuals. He urged the public not to panic regarding the flood situation, emphasizing that the safety of citizens is the state's top priority.
Manorama Mohanty, Director of the Bhubaneswar Meteorological Center, indicated that a decrease in rainfall is expected in the state on Thursday, although light rain with thunder may occur in several districts.