Flood Fury / Odisha Floods Worsen as Baitarani, Salandi Rivers above Danger Mark

Bhubaneswar, Sep 27: Heavy rainfall upstream has caused water levels in major rivers of Odisha to remain above danger marks, triggering floods across Bhadrak and Baleshwar districts.

In Bhadrak, the Baitarani River continues to flow above the danger level despite a gradual fall. At Akhuapada Anicut, where the danger mark is 18.33 metres, the river was recorded at 18.77 metres at 6 am.

Floodwaters have entered villages through breaches in embankments, submerging six panchayats in Bhandaripokhari block and 15 panchayats in Dhamnagar block.

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Similarly, the Salandi River is flowing well above danger level. At Rajghat, where the danger mark is 17 feet, floodwaters were measured at 19.50 feet.

Release of 5,000 cusecs of water from Hadagada dam has worsened the situation downstream, inundating villages in Arnnapal and Bishnupurbindha panchayats of Bhadrak block, and Talagop Bindha, Bilana and Baro panchayats in Tihidi block. In Rajamukundpur and Talagop Bindha panchayat, floodwaters flowed four feet above the Matagajpur bridge, disrupting transport.

The Nalia River has also caused severe damage, with a 50‑foot breach near Ankapada cutting off connectivity to nearby villages. Floodwaters from Salandi have submerged six wards of Bhadrak Municipality.

Meanwhile, Hirakud dam has increased water discharge. Two more gates were opened, taking the total to 22-15 on the left and seven on the right. The current water level stands at 628.19 feet, with inflow of 3.39 lakh cusecs per second and outflow of 4 lakh cusecs per second.

In Baleshwar district, electricity supply was disrupted for nearly 48 hours in Khaira block’s Dungura area after floodwaters entered the Kansabansa river‑side power structure.

Thousands of consumers remained in darkness until water receded and repairs were carried out. Locals allege this is a recurring problem during floods and cyclones, and have demanded relocation of the Dungura power structure to a higher, safer site.