Bhubaneswar, Aug 19: Odisha Revenue and Disaster Management Minister Suresh Pujari on Wednesday warned of a possible medium-level flood in the Subarnarekha river, with water levels expected to rise further in Baleshwar district due to continued discharge from the Jharkhand catchment area.
Pujari said the flood situation in several other parts of the state has improved as rainfall declined over the past 24 hours, bringing some relief to affected areas. However, around 1,410.42 cumecs of water is being released from Chandil Dam, which is expected to increase the water level at several locations along the Subarnarekha.
The river is already flowing above the danger mark at Rajghat, raising concerns in low-lying areas. In contrast, water levels in the Brahmani, Baitarani and Budhabalanga rivers are gradually receding.
The minister said the water level in Baleshwar is likely to rise during the evening and increase further around midnight. The district administration has been placed on high alert and asked to remain prepared for possible evacuation and relief operations. Mayurbhanj, Bhadrak and Jajpur districts have also been cautioned.
According to the latest assessment, flooding continues to affect 68 blocks across six districts, including Baleshwar, Kendrapara, Mayurbhanj, Kendujhar and Bhadrak. As many as 469 gram panchayats, 1,579 villages and 64 wards in 10 urban areas have been affected.
The disaster has impacted around 11,65,837 people, of whom 4,26,675 have been shifted to safer locations. Floodwaters have affected nearly 58,465 hectares of agricultural and other land, while 1,882 houses have been damaged.
Pujari directed the Baleshwar district administration to immediately inform the government if additional rescue teams, relief materials or other assistance are required.
He also said the government would ensure the availability of seeds for farmers affected by the floods. While around 16,000 quintals of seeds are currently available, the state requires nearly 40,000 quintals. The additional quantity will be procured from the Central Government, and outlets will be opened to facilitate the sale and distribution of government-supplied seeds to farmers.
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