Odisha’s Rushikulya embankment breaches near Kusupada; flood level close to ‘danger mark’

Incessant rainfall in the upper catchment region has led to a sharp rise in the water level of the Rushikulya River, posing a serious threat to low-lying and riparian areas in Odisha’s Ganjam district.

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The river's sudden surge late last night caused water to overflow onto National Highway 59, particularly near Nuagada and Brahmanadei villages, disrupting traffic and raising alarm in nearby communities.

Several villages, including Singipur, Nagpur, Nilakantha, and Kusupada of the district, have been experiencing waterlogging, with rainwater entering homes and farmlands.

The situation worsened when the Rushikulya River’s embankment near Kusupada reportedly gave way, allowing floodwaters to gush into the surrounding areas. Large hectares of the cultivated land have been submerged, destroying standing crops and leaving local farmers devastated.

As of now, the river is flowing at over 13 feet, inching closer to the danger level of 15 feet. Local authorities are closely monitoring the situation, and emergency response teams have been alerted in case evacuation becomes necessary.

With rainfall in the region expected to continue, villagers remain on edge, hoping the water level stabilises soon.

No comments were received from the local authorities in this regard.

“We have detained the local tehsildar and police station IIC. A lessee of the quarry had previously cut the embankment to transport sand from the riverbed, which led to the breach. Around 20 acres of farmland have become inundated,” some residents said.

“Despite repeated complaints to police and local authorities, our grievances were ignored. Even the MLA did not pay any heed to it. The embankment was strong but breached after it was cut by the lessee. Farmlands have now become sand-castled,” the locals added.