Flood Situation Worsens in Odisha as Subarnarekha Crosses Danger Mark

Bhubaneswar: The flood situation in parts of Odisha remains critical with the Subarnarekha River crossing the danger mark on Sunday.

Engineer-in-Chief of the Water Resources Department, Chandra Sekhar Padhi, said the river is flowing at 10.85 metres at Rajghat, against the danger level of 10.36 metres. “This qualifies as a flood situation and the level may rise further, possibly reaching up to 11.4 metres,” he warned.

Meanwhile, heavy rainfall in the upper catchment of the Hirakud Dam has pushed water inflow to 1,98,478 cusecs. As of 10 am, the reservoir level stood at 621.65 feet, with 1,60,000 cusecs of water being discharged through eight gates. “Four more gates will be opened today to manage the rising inflow,” Padhi informed.

In the Brahmani River, the Rengali Dam recorded an inflow of 5,744 cumecs of water, with 3,400 cumecs released through two gates. Padhi clarified there is no immediate flood threat in the Mahanadi River.

However, precautionary measures are underway in Balasore, Bhadrak, and Keonjhar districts, which are on high alert due to rising water levels in the Subarnarekha and Baitarani rivers.

Authorities have urged residents in low-lying areas to remain vigilant and follow safety advisories as the Water Resources Department continues round-the-clock monitoring.