Odisha News Today

Cuttack, July 28: Cuttack district administration on Tuesday imposed sweeping prohibitory orders to safeguard public safety amid rising floodwaters in the Mahanadi river, officials said. With heavy rainfall in the upper catchment areas causing water levels at the Mundali barrage here to surge rapidly, officials fear the river may reach its peak level by tomorrow night. District Collector Dattatraya Bhausaheb Shinde, also Chairman of the District Disaster Management Authority (DDMA), invoked Section 34 of the Disaster Management Act, 2005, to enforce restrictions across vulnerable zones. The measures aim to prevent accidents and ensure effective flood management as low-lying areas brace for possible inundation. Under the order, public entry to all ghats along the Mahanadi and its tributaries has been strictly prohibited. Bathing, swimming, boating, fishing, and even photography or taking selfies near riverbanks, barrages, and embankments have been banned. Gatherings, fairs, and public meetings at the Baliyatra ground and other flood-prone areas have also been suspended. Standing on bridges, embankments, or riverbanks to watch floodwaters has been barred, with only emergency services and flood management officials permitted access. Temples and religious sites near riverbanks will remain closed to devotees until further notice.Also Read: Baitarani River Crosses Danger Mark in Bhadrak Fishing activities in the Mahanadi, its tributaries, and adjoining reservoirs have been suspended, with advisories issued to fishermen to avoid venturing into the waters. Residents of flood-prone villages, particularly farmers and dairy owners, have been urged to immediately shift their livestock to higher ground or designated flood shelters. Vehicular and pedestrian movement across submerged roads, culverts, and bridges has also been prohibited. Violators will face strict legal action under Sections 51–60 of the Disaster Management Act and other applicable laws. The administration has appealed to citizens to strictly adhere to safety guidelines and cooperate with officials. With floodwaters expected to rise further, the restrictions are seen as critical to preventing mishaps and ensuring coordinated disaster response.

Bhubaneswar, Jul 28: Heavy rainfall across Odisha has triggered rising water levels in major rivers, prompting flood alerts and precautionary measures in several districts. In Bhadrak district, the water level of the Baitarani river has surged past the danger mark. At Akhuapada, where the danger level is fixed at 18.33 metres, the river is currently flowing at 18.48 metres. With continuous rainfall in the upper catchment areas, the administration has warned of possible flooding. Loudspeaker announcements are being made in riverside villages to alert residents, urging them to remain vigilant and prepared for evacuation if necessary. Meanwhile, in Jajpur district, authorities have declared a holiday for all schools from 2 PM today due to incessant rainfall and adverse weather conditions. The order covers government, aided, private schools, and Odisha Adarsha Vidyalayas (OAVS). The decision, issued by the District Education Officer on the Collector’s instructions, prioritises the safety of students amid worsening weather. In Jagatsinghpur district, floodwaters have marooned three panchayats — Tarajanga, Tirtol, and Manijanga. Over 50 families have been affected, with more than 60 people already shifted to the nearby Tirtol school. The displaced families are being provided with dry food, cooked meals, and drinking water. Officials said more evacuations are likely overnight as water levels continue to rise. Block staff and local administration are stationed in the affected areas to oversee relief and rehabilitation measures. The situation underscores the vulnerability of low-lying districts in Odisha during monsoon spells. With rivers swelling and rainfall persisting, district administrations are on high alert, coordinating relief operations and monitoring embankments to prevent breaches. The state government has urged citizens in flood-prone areas to remain cautious and cooperate with evacuation and safety measures.Also Read: Odisha on Flood Watch: Jalaka River Breaches Danger Level, Balasore Reels Under RainMeanwhile, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued red and orange warnings for several districts of Odisha till tomorrow as heavy rainfall persists. A red alert has been sounded for Sundargarh, Jharsuguda, Bargarh, and Sambalpur, forecasting extremely heavy showers at isolated places. The orange warning covers Balasore, Bhadrak, Jajpur, Debagarh, Angul, Dhenkanal, Keonjhar, Mayurbhanj, Subarnapur, Boudh, Nuapada, and Balangir, where heavy to very heavy rainfall is likely.