TV
The flood threat in northern Odisha escalated on Saturday with two key rivers, Baitarani and Jalaka, crossing their danger levels, prompting authorities to place several districts on high alert.
Water Resources Department Chief Engineer Chandrasekhar Padhi on Saturday confirmed that floodwater is likely to affect parts of Bhadrak, Balasore, and Jajpur, especially low-lying areas in Dhamnagar, Chandbali, and Dasarathpur in the next 24 hours.
While Subarnarekha and Budhabalanga are currently stable, Padhi warned they are expected to swell by Sunday, with possible floodwaters impacting Bhogarai, Baliapal, Basta, and Jaleswar in Balasore district.
Officers in the field have been instructed to remain prepared, and rescue teams have already been positioned in vulnerable regions.
“The Jalaka River is flowing above the danger mark. The current level is 7.20 meters, whereas the danger mark is 6.50 meters. The Baitarani River is currently, it is at 38.22 meters, which is slightly less than the danger mark. But, we expect that by 11 am, this would have crossed the danger level,” said Chandrasekhar Padhi at a press conference.
Heavy Rains In Mayurbhanj Drive Catchment Floods
The rising water levels are directly linked to intense rainfall in the upper catchments of north Odisha.
Mayurbhanj district recorded 94 mm of rainfall in 24 hours, with 13 blocks registering over 100 mm, making it one of the wettest belts, triggering sudden river swelling. Officials said the Jalaka and Baitarani catchment zones received the highest rainfall, leading to rapid water accumulation.
Despite the alerts, Padhi stated that no flood risk currently exists in the Mahanadi basin, and the Brahmani River has shown no alarming trends. In Rengali, although the water level is under control, authorities have opened three gates to allow regulated discharge.
Hirakud Dam Under Control Despite Heavy Inflow
In western Odisha, Hirakud Dam is witnessing a sharp increase in inflow due to upstream rainfall in Chhattisgarh. The reservoir’s water level has reached 610.31 feet, below its full capacity of 630 feet, but water is being discharged through 20 open gates.
As per the latest estimates, 4.61 lakh cusecs of water per second are entering Hirakud, while 3.36 lakh cusecs are being released.
Government On High Alert As Rescue Teams Mobilised
With more rain likely and river levels still rising, the Odisha government has directed all district administrations to remain on alert.
Rescue teams from ODRAF, NDRF, and Fire Services have been mobilised across Balasore, Bhadrak, Kendrapara, and Jajpur districts. The disaster response plan includes readiness for evacuation and embankment monitoring.
Officials have urged people living in low-lying areas to remain cautious and avoid venturing into flooded or waterlogged zones. Surveillance has been intensified near vulnerable embankments, and field engineers are tasked with ensuring a real-time response in case of breaches or sudden water rise.
“All preparations have been made for potential flooding in Subarnarekha and Budhabalanga by tomorrow. While major rivers like Mahanadi and Brahmani are stable, smaller systems are highly reactive to local rainfall and require continuous monitoring,” said Padhi.
