Moderate Flood Expected In Baitarani River Following Heavy Rain In Cyclone Yaas Aftermath

Moderate flood is expected in Baitarani River as heavy rainfall continued in Odisha in the aftermath of cyclone Yaas which made landfall on May 26th. According to the Odisha Special Relief Commissioner, Pradeep Jena water level in Baitarani River is above danger mark at Anandpur and Akhuapada. However, district administration is keeping a close eye on the embankments & the water level and there is no danger of a full scale flood, the SRC said.

Special Relief Commissioner, Pradeep Jena said, Due to this rainfall, some water has flown into Budhabalanga & Subarnarekha Rivers, but we don’t expect it to create any problems. There will be no flood in Budhabalanga & Subarnarekha Rivers. However, in the upper catchment of Baitarani River, due to heavy rain, today near Anandpur and Akhuapada, water was flowing over the danger mark. At Anandpur the water level is 39.08 m which is about 0.6 m above the danger mark of 38.36 m.

It is expected that the water level may rise by 1 m more at this place. The water level may stabilise by 1 pm - 2 pm today after which the water level may decline. Similarly, in Akhuapada where the danger mark is 17.83 m, the water level is at 17.92 m. It takes around 8 hours for water to reach Akhuapada from Anandpur. Therefore, the water level may rise further. I had a discussion with the Engineer-in-chief of the Water Resources department & the Principal Secretary, Anu Garg. We expect the water level at Akhuapada to remain between 19.8-20 m.

Therefore this may cause moderate flood. There is no water in Brahmani river therefore 1/3rd water from Akhuapada will enter Budha river. But this will not cause any damage in Brahmani or Budha rivers. Around 2/3rd water will pass through Baitarani River. Keeping this in mind, we do not expect any danger. Bhadrak, Jajpur and Kendrapada district administrations have been alerted. Water resources department officials are manning the embankments and are maintaining a close watch.

The collectors and the administrations are completely prepared. Bhadrak & Jajpur district collectors are already on field. They are keeping a close eye on the embankments and if required people will be evacuated from low-lying areas.