Flood situation improves in northern Odisha, Subarnarekha river expected to recede below danger level today

Flood levels in northern Odisha began receding on Tuesday, with water in the Subarnarekha river at Rajghat expected to flow below the danger mark by this evening. According to Water Resources Department chief engineer Chandrasekhar Padhi, the levels will further drop by Wednesday morning, signalling gradual improvement in the situation.

In a press conference this afternoon, Padhi said the Baitarani river has already receded below the danger level at Akhuapada, while normalcy is likely to return across most basins from Wednesday.

"The situation is improving in Subarnarekha. The water level has started to recede from its highest at Rajghat. We expect it to go below the danger level by this evening. It may even go below the warning level by late night or by early next morning. There has also been no further rain in the Subarnarekha catchments, which is a positive development."

In Balasore district, areas such as Basta, Bhograi, Baliapal and Jaleswar reported flooding. In Jajpur, Dasharathpur block remains affected, while in Bhadrak district, Bhandaripokhari, Tihidi and Dhamnagar blocks are still under strain.

The most severe impact continues in Jajpur’s Kani river belt, where a breach in the embankment inundated dozens of villages, informed Padhi. Repairs on embankments damaged by heavy discharge are expected to start within the next two days.

ALSO READ: Subarnarekha triggers fresh flood, scores of villages marooned in Odisha’s Balasore

Situation Under Control in Southern Odisha

Meanwhile, in southern Odisha, rivers Vamsadhara, Nagavali and Kolab registered slight rises following rainfall, though no major basin has shown abnormal flow.

At Hirakud, four gates were closed, leaving eight in operation for water discharge. The Mundali barrage reported a flow of around three lakh cusecs, which officials described as within safe limits.

ALSO READ: Odisha flood: Breach in Kani river embankment inundates 15 panchayats in Jajpur, thousands displaced

Minister Reviews Jajpur Flood-Hit Villages

Meanwhile, Revenue and Disaster Management Minister Suresh Pujari visited the worst-affected areas of Jajpur, where the Kani river embankment breach has submerged nearly 40 villages across 15 panchayats. Authorities have warned the spread may extend to 19 panchayats if water continues to rise.

Pujari said repairs will begin immediately after floodwaters recede. Further, three ODRAF teams and two Fire Services units have been deployed to assist in rescue and relief.