Odisha News Today

Sambalpur, Jul 31: Authorities at Hirakud Dam in Odisha opened eight more sluice gates on Friday evening, raising the total to 22, to release excess water into the Mahanadi river system following heavy rainfall in the upper catchment area, officials said. The move comes amid a worsening flood situation across Odisha, where around eight lakh people in 20 districts have been affected. Rising Reservoir Levels Earlier in the day, 14 gates — nine on the left and five on the right — were opened to regulate inflows. By 3 PM, the reservoir’s water level stood at 624.95 feet against its full capacity of 630 feet. Average inflow was recorded at 4,42,621 cusecs, while outflow stood at 2,49,307 cusecs. Of this, 2,20,468 cusecs were discharged through the spillway and 25,014 cusecs via the power channel. Revenue and Disaster Management Minister Suresh Pujari said the released water would take 36 to 40 hours to reach Mundali near Cuttack. He noted that no rainfall in the past 24 hours has provided temporary respite, though several areas in Kataka, Puri, Khordha and Jagatsinghpur remain inundated. Relief and Rescue Measures The State has set up 520 relief centres across north and coastal regions, accommodating nearly two lakh people. Around 1.90 lakh residents have been evacuated to safety. Special Relief Commissioner Rajesh Prabhakar Patil confirmed that around eight lakh people across 20 districts have been impacted. A total of 136 rescue teams from the NDRF, ODRAF and fire services are deployed. Officials reported three flood-related deaths so far. Leaves of government employees in affected districts have been cancelled, and public access to barrages and embankments restricted.Also Read: Village Cut Off by Floods, Odisha Groom Finds a Way to Keep His Wedding Promise  Tributaries Swell, Breaches Reported The swelling of the Mahanadi has led to tributaries including the Luna, Karandia, Chitrotpala, Paika, Salia, Devi, Kandala, Kuakhai, Kushabhadra, Daya and Bhargavi rivers to overflow, worsening the situation. While water levels in the Baitarani, Brahmani, Jalaka and Budhabalanga rivers have receded, fresh breaches of embankments have inundated new areas. Officials continue to monitor inflows and outflows at Hirakud, balancing flood management with downstream safety as Odisha battles one of its most critical flood situations in recent years.

Bhadrak, Jul 31: More than 4.68 lakh people have been affected by the ongoing floods in Odisha's Bhadrak district, with the administration evacuating over 1.58 lakh residents to safer locations as rescue, relief and rehabilitation operations continue on a war footing, according to the district administration.As of 7 pm on July 30, floodwaters had affected 423 villages across 110 gram panchayats and 26 urban wards. Officials said 4,68,649 people have been impacted by the floods, while 1,58,228 people have been shifted to safer places.Relief Measures Continue Across Affected AreasThe administration has operationalised 286 free community kitchens to provide cooked meals to displaced residents. Besides, 248.8 quintals of flattened rice and 33.88 quintals of jaggery have been distributed among affected families.District officials said relief materials and essential supplies are being provided continuously as floodwaters continue to inundate several low-lying areas.Dhamnagar Emerges As Worst-Hit BlockDhamnagar block has reported the highest impact, with floodwaters affecting 147 villages spread across 30 gram panchayats and 14 wards. A total of 1,82,302 people have been affected, while 1,05,979 residents have been evacuated to safer locations.The administration has set up 140 free community kitchens in the block and distributed 92.75 quintals of flattened rice and 9.3 quintals of jaggery.Flood Impact Across Other BlocksBhandaripokhari block has reported 72,203 affected people across 77 villages under 19 gram panchayats. Authorities have shifted 5,442 people to safer places while operating 25 community kitchens. Relief distribution includes 40.08 quintals of flattened rice and 4.08 quintals of jaggery.In Tihidi block, floodwaters have affected 98,602 people in 102 villages under 30 gram panchayats. The administration has evacuated 17,865 people and is running 30 community kitchens. Around 56 quintals of flattened rice and five quintals of jaggery have been distributed.Basudevpur block has recorded 7,205 affected residents across 13 villages under six gram panchayats. A total of 3,100 people have been relocated, with four community kitchens serving the affected population. Officials have distributed 1.2 quintals of flattened rice and 0.3 quintal of jaggery.Bhadrak block has reported 73,106 affected people across 61 villages under 17 gram panchayats and 12 wards. Authorities have shifted 11,096 people to safer locations. The block has 56 community kitchens in operation, while 32.8 quintals of flattened rice and 9.2 quintals of jaggery have been distributed.In Chandbali block, 35,231 people across 23 villages under eight gram panchayats have been affected. The administration has evacuated 14,746 people and established 31 community kitchens. Relief distribution includes 26 quintals of flattened rice and six quintals of jaggery.Also Read: Rising Waters in Mahanadi, Baitarani Disrupt Life in OdishaRescue Teams Deployed Across Flood-Hit AreasTo strengthen rescue and relief operations, the district administration has deployed three National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) teams in Dhamnagar, Dhusuri and Tihidi blocks.Additionally, seven Odisha Disaster Rapid Action Force (ODRAF) teams have been stationed in Dhamnagar, Bhandaripokhari and Basudevpur blocks, while Fire Services personnel have been deployed across all affected blocks.Administration Monitoring Situation Round The ClockThe district administration said it is closely monitoring the evolving flood situation and ensuring that food, shelter and other essential assistance reach affected residents without interruption. Officials added that rescue and relief operations will continue until normalcy is restored.