Flood Fury / Floodwaters Recede in Odisha, Baitarani and Salandi Rivers Flow Below Danger Mark

Bhadrak, Aug 26: Floodwaters in Odisha’s major rivers, including the Baitarani and Salandi, have begun to recede, with levels now flowing well below danger marks. Yet, despite the decline, several low-lying areas and farmlands remain submerged, leaving flood‑affected communities struggling with hardship.

In Bhadrak district, the administration has closed 69 Anganwadi centres across Tihidi and Chandbali blocks as a precautionary measure. District officials said the decision was taken to ensure safety amid ongoing rainfall and flood conditions.

Kendrapada district continues to face widespread impact, with five blocks — Aali, Pattamundai, Kendrapada, Rajnagar and Rajkanika — reporting flood damage.

Also read: Odisha Floods Close 500 Schools, Anganwadis: Nutrition Safety Net Disrupted for 30,000-40,000

Authorities confirmed that 61 gram panchayats, 145 villages, and 11 wards of Pattamundai municipality are affected, impacting nearly 1,95,452 people.

Relief operations are underway, with 65 shelters housing 10,553 evacuees. To support displaced families, 120 free kitchens and relief centres have been opened, serving food to 33,341 beneficiaries so far.

Medical assistance has also been mobilized. Twelve health teams are deployed across flood‑hit areas: two in Aali, three in Pattamundai, one in Indupur, three in Rajnagar, and two in Rajkanika. Additionally, six veterinary teams are working to safeguard livestock, with nearly 98,284 animals reported affected.

Floodwaters have disrupted transport, submerging 91 roads, while damage assessments of homes and crops will be carried out once waters recede.

Meanwhile, Hirakud Dam continues to discharge water through 16 gates—11 on the left and five on the right. The reservoir level stands at 623.19 feet, with inflow measured at 3,38,671 cusecs per second and outflow at 2,88,960 cusecs per second.

Meteorologists warn that weather conditions remain unstable. A low‑pressure system over the Bay of Bengal is active across northern Odisha and Jharkhand. Within the next 24 hours, it is expected to move northwest, crossing Jharkhand and northern Odisha.

While no immediate alert has been issued, another system is likely to form by August 28 over the northwest Bay of Bengal and adjoining northern Odisha.

By August 30, this system may intensify into a depression, bringing heavy to very heavy rainfall along Odisha’s northern coast. Rainfall activity across the state is expected to increase again from August 27.