Flood situation critical in Odisha, rivers flow above danger mark

Bhubaneswar, Aug 25: The Water Resources Department issued a fresh bulletin at 10 am, warning that flood conditions in Balasore, Bhadrak, and Jajpur districts remain worrisome, with both the Subarnarekha and Baitarani rivers flowing above their danger levels.

At Akhuapada, the Baitarani has touched 18.96 meters, exceeding the red mark of 18.33 meters. Although the flow remains high, officials noted a steady trend and expect the river to gradually recede.

Meanwhile, a breach was detected in the right embankment of the Kani River at Mallikapur under Dasarathpur block in the early hours of Monday. The local administration has been placed on high alert, with ODRAF teams deployed to tackle the situation. Restoration will begin once the water flow decreases.

Engineer-in-Chief Chandra Sekhar Padhi reported that 12 sluice gates of Hirakud Dam have been opened to discharge 2.22 lakh cusecs of water, as the reservoir level has climbed to 621.61 feet, close to its 630-foot capacity. At Rengali Dam, the level has reached 122.8 meters, nearly full, prompting the opening of two gates.

The Subarnarekha River continues to rise upstream at Jamsholaghat, while levels at Rajghat show a slight fall. The Central Water Commission has predicted a temporary drop before levels may rise again.

The State Flood Cell is monitoring the situation round the clock, while district collectors of the affected regions have been instructed to oversee evacuation and relief measures.