Flood Threat / Odisha Rivers Swell as Water Levels Cross Danger Marks

Bhubaneswar, Sep 26: Odisha is facing a critical flood situation as heavy rainfall has pushed water levels in multiple river basins above danger marks, affecting thousands of people across 10 districts.

According to official data, three stations recorded rainfall above 100 mm, while 42 stations reported more than 50 mm. The highest rainfall was logged at Badamba in Kataka district with 120 mm.

Subarnarekha Basin

Heavy rain in the upper catchment has raised water levels in the Subarnarekha river. At Chandil dam, the level rose to 181.31 meters with 2,078 cumecs discharged. Galudih released 5,366 cumecs through 13 gates.

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At Jamshedpur, the river stood at 123.18 meters, close to the danger mark of 123.5 meters. Rajghat recorded 10.43 meters, crossing its danger level of 10.36 meters, with forecasts suggesting a rise to 11.70 meters by afternoon. Flooding is feared in Basta, Baliapal, Bhograi, and Jaleswar areas.

Budhabalang Basin

At NH-5 Gobindpur, the river rose to 8.78 meters, above the danger mark of 8.13 meters. Forecasts predict levels may reach 8.9 meters by evening, though floodwaters are gradually receding.

Baitarani, Jalaka, and Salandi Basins

Anandpur barrage reported 42.40 meters with 31 gates open, discharging 4,600 cumecs. Anandpur and Akhuapada stations recorded rising levels above danger marks.

Jalaka at Mathani bridge stood at 6.76 meters, expected to fall to 6.6 meters by night.

Salandi at Rajghat rose to 19.30 feet, well above its danger level of 17 feet, though improvement is expected by tomorrow morning.

Mahanadi Basin

Hirakud reservoir stood at 629.47 feet with 16 of 98 gates open, releasing 3 lakh cusecs. Downstream, Khairmal, Barmul, and Munduli reported rising discharges, with forecasts warning of 6 lakh cusecs at Munduli by midnight.

Other Basins

Indravati: Levels receding, flood situation ended.

Kolab & Balimela: Stable, no flood threat.

Bansadhara: At Kashinagar, water rose to 54.25 meters, above warning level, but expected to fall below by evening.

Rushikulya: Levels at Sorada and Purushottampur have dropped, ending flood threat.

Brahmani: Rengali reservoir at 123.03 meters, Panposh and Jenapur showing rising trends, though still below danger marks.

Human Impact

According to official reports, 73,085 people have been directly affected, with 40,329 displaced. Floodwaters have impacted 80 blocks, 325 gram panchayats, and 1,071 villages across 10 districts. Urban flooding has hit 49 wards in 10 towns. At least 721 houses have been damaged.

Authorities are closely monitoring the situation, with forecasts indicating further rise in water levels in Subarnarekha, Budhabalang, Baitarani, and Mahanadi basins. Relief and evacuation measures are underway in vulnerable areas.