Jalaka River Crosses Danger Mark, Balasore on High Alert

Bhubaneswar: The Balasore district administration has been placed on high alert after the Jalaka river crossed the danger level, triggering fears of flooding in Basta block. Continuous rainfall over the past few days has caused a sharp rise in water levels.

According to Chandrashekhar Padhee, Chief Engineer of the Water Resources Department, the Jalaka was flowing at 6.71 metres at Mathani, above the danger mark of 6.50 metres. Authorities warned that low-lying areas may face inundation if the water level rises further.

Providing an update on other rivers, Padhee said the Baitarani in Bhadrak was below danger level. At Akhuapada, it stood at 18.24 metres and was expected to fall below the warning mark by Saturday.

Heavy rainfall was reported across 15 blocks of Odisha, with Padmapur recording the highest at 88 mm.

Meanwhile, inflow into the Hirakud Dam has surged, with 3.36 lakh cusecs of water entering and being discharged through 20 gates. The current water level at the reservoir is 626.58 feet. Padhee cautioned that inflow may rise further to 4.5–5 lakh cusecs by September 7, though the situation is under constant monitoring to ensure timely precautionary measures.