TV
The Baitarani River is once again under close watch as it breached the caution level of 17.83 metres at Akhuapada in Bhadrak district, reaching 18.03 metres by Monday morning. Though the danger mark stands at 18.33 metres, officials confirmed that the water level is now gradually receding, offering a temporary respite to riverside communities.
However, with continued heavy rainfall over the catchment areas and forecasts of further downpours, flood concerns persist, especially if Anandapur and Baitarani barrage gates are opened in response to upstream inflows.
Widespread Rainfall Across State, Multiple Rivers Rising
The rising water level in Baitarani follows sustained moderate to heavy rainfall across the state under the influence of a low-pressure area formed over Gangetic West Bengal and adjoining north Odisha.
According to information shared by the state Special Relief Commissioner (SRC), Keonjhar, Bhadrak, Jajpur, and several western districts recorded high cumulative rainfall over the last 48 hours.
Rengali block in Sambalpur district logged the highest 24-hour rainfall at 182.4 mm, with five blocks receiving over 100 mm and another 20 regions crossing 50 mm. The average state rainfall on July 7 was 17.6 mm, while the cumulative total for the month so far has reached 126.9 mm.
Several other rivers, including the Brahmani (Panposh), IB (Sundargarh), and Subarnarekha, are witnessing a rising trend, though all remain below danger levels as per the Central Water Commission’s forecast.
Flood Precautions in Place, Minor Damage Reported in Keonjhar
In Keonjhar, rainfall-triggered inundation has affected four blocks, Harichandanpur, Telkoi, Banspal, and Jhumpura, with 16 villages and 187 people impacted. Around 31 houses have been damaged, and 100 people were shifted to relief camps, where free kitchens have been set up.
Polythene sheets and other emergency supplies have been distributed, and the district administration is continuing damage assessment and preventive evacuation in vulnerable areas.
