Flood in Baitarani for third time in 3 months, other rivers remain stable in Odisha

Due to a low-pressure system over the region, the Baitarani river has swollen again, triggering a fresh spell of minor flooding, the third such event in the last three months in Odisha.

Also Read: Odisha lacks ability to control floods in Subarnarekha River: Water Resources Dept

The Water Resources Department Engineer-in-Chief, Chandra Sekhar Padhi, confirmed on Thursday that the river breached the danger mark by 0.5 meters at Akhuapada in Bhadrak district. Authorities have issued a high-alert warning for the area.

While heavy rainfall has been recorded across the upper catchments of the Mahanadi, Baitarani, and Budhabalanga rivers, only the Baitarani is currently experiencing flooding. Other rivers remain stable in the State and are below ‘danger’ levels.

To manage water levels, 14 sluice gates of the Hirakud Dam have been opened to release excess floodwater. Officials say more gates may likely be opened if necessary, depending on further rainfall and inflow.

The water level in the Mahanadi River has increased due to incessant rainfall, but officials assure that it is unlikely to flood.

“The Baitarani River is witnessing a flood now. Water level of the river, as we expect, will remain less and later increase by a foot and become stable thereafter. However, there is no flood situation in the Subarnarekha River. The water level at Jalaka is now above the ‘warning level’ but below the danger mark. It is 6.38 metres at Mathani, which is more than the warning level of 6 metres,” the senior Water Resources official said.

“Apart from the Baitarani River, the flood situation has not occurred at any other place. Moreover, the flood in Baitarani can be described as a small flood,” the Engineer-in-Chief added.