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Odisha’s Revenue and Disaster Management Minister Suresh Pujari on Sunday confirmed that no river in the state is currently flowing above the danger level, dispelling fears of widespread flooding even as incessant rainfall continues in parts of the state and the upper catchments of major river systems.
Addressing the media, Pujari stated that the water level in Naraj in Cuttack, one of the key monitoring points on the Mahanadi River, remains below the warning threshold. “There is no immediate flood threat from any major river in the state,” he said.
Heavy Rains Damage Bhadrak, Jharsuguda, Sundargarh
While large-scale flooding has been ruled out, localised damages have occurred in districts like Bhadrak, Sundargarh, and Jharsuguda due to continuous heavy rainfall over the past few days.
The Minister informed that damage assessment reports from these regions are being compiled, and compensation will be sanctioned by evening based on verified field inputs.
“Torrential rain has led to waterlogging in some low-lying areas,” Pujari acknowledged, adding, “But there has been no breach or inundation by floodwater in any village or urban area so far.”
Relief and Response Forces on Alert
The Minister also assured that district administrations across the state have been asked to remain vigilant. Relief centres and temporary shelters are ready, and ODRAF and NDRF teams have already been deployed in strategic locations.
"Instructions have been issued to collectors to monitor vulnerable pockets closely and respond quickly to any emerging situation," he added. The government has also mapped high-risk zones for precautionary evacuation, should the need arise.
Flood Management Steps in Place as Hirakud Inflow Surges
Meanwhile, the Hirakud Dam, Odisha’s largest flood-control structure, is witnessing a sharp rise in inflow due to relentless rainfall in the upper Mahanadi basin. The dam authorities have now opened 20 sluice gates to manage the excess water.
According to the Water Resources Department, the current water level at Hirakud stands at 609.79 feet. Inflow has reached 3,42,453 cusecs, while the outflow is slightly lower at 3,35,649 cusecs. Officials are monitoring real-time data and may consider opening more gates if inflow continues to rise.
A flood alert has been issued for low-lying areas in the Mahanadi delta, although the government has clarified that there is no large-scale flood threat at present.
