Odisha Flood Situation May Take 3-4 More Days To Improve: Water Resources EIC

Bhubaneswar: The flood situation in Odisha may take another three to four days to improve significantly, Water Resources Department Engineer-in-Chief (EIC) Dilip Rout said on Tuesday, as several rivers continue to remain under close watch.

Briefing the media on the prevailing river conditions, Rout said the water level in the Baitarani river has started to decline gradually. However, the Brahmani continues to be a concern, with rainfall in its upper catchment areas slowing the recession of floodwaters downstream.

The flood situation in the Salandi, Budhabalanga and Subarnarekha rivers is currently stable, according to the EIC. However, parts of the Subarnarekha basin could witness the arrival of floodwaters by Wednesday evening.

Rout said around 5,500 cusecs of water is expected to be released from the Galudihi Barrage, which could result in water entering some low-lying areas.

He noted that the decline in water levels in the lower reaches has not been as rapid as anticipated, primarily due to continued rainfall in the upper catchment areas under the influence of a low-pressure system.

The Water Resources Department has intensified monitoring of the Baitarani and Brahmani rivers. Rout said water flow from the upper reaches of the Brahmani is being regulated through the Rengali Dam to help manage the situation.

“We are closely monitoring the situation. If there is no further rainfall in the coming days, the floodwaters are expected to recede gradually,” Rout said.

The department is continuing to monitor all major rivers across the state and has been taking necessary measures to regulate and manage the flood situation. :::