No flood situation in Odisha rivers: Water Resources Dept

The Water Resources Department on Tuesday confirmed that there is no flood situation in any of the rivers in Odisha. Engineer in chief Chandrasekhar Padhi said that while water levels are rising in some rivers due to recent rainfall, the situation remains under control.

On Monday, 20.97 mm rainfall was recorded in Subarnarekha, 43.07 mm in Budhabalanga, and 30.65 mm in Baitarani. As a result, the Baitarani, Budhabalanga, Jalaka and Subarnarekha rivers are likely to see a further rise in water levels and may touch the warning level. However, unless there is heavy rainfall today, the danger level will not be crossed, Padhi clarified.

At present, the Hirakud reservoir has a water level of 626.31 feet while Rengali stands at 122.73 metres. Authorities said no gates will be opened today. Reportedly, a decision on releasing water will be taken only if fresh inflows are recorded due to rainfall.

Briefing the media, Padhi said, “Subarnarekha recorded 20.97 mm rainfall, Budhabalanga 43.07 mm and Baitarani 30.65 mm. Water levels in the Baitarani, Budhabalanga, Jalaka and Subarnarekha rivers are expected to rise further and may approach or cross the warning level. However, whether they breach the danger mark will depend on the intensity of rainfall today.”

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“Under the influence of the low pressure over the Bay of Bengal, several districts in Odisha will witness rainfall activities till September 5. There are possibilities of thunderstorm and lightning. The average rainfall recorded within the 24 hours is just 15 mm. Though rivers are swelling, but none of them has breached the danger level,” informed Suresh Pujari, Revenue and Disaster Management Department Minister.