Flood Fury / Rising Waters in Mahanadi, Baitarani Disrupt Life in Odisha

Bhubaneswar, Jul 30: Odisha is grappling with moderate floods as rising water levels in the Mahanadi, Baitarani, and Brahmani rivers have inundated several districts, disrupting daily life and isolating villages.

Following warnings of moderate flooding in the Mahanadi, floodwaters began entering low-lying areas of Banki in Cuttack district on Wednesday evening. The Huluhula branch river is flowing more than four feet above normal, cutting off road connectivity and halting transport.

Six panchayats have been completely cut off from the outside world, with villages such as Kaimundi, Talabasta, Bilipada, and Sukua Khela submerged. Roads between Talabasta and Bilipada are under water, leaving residents stranded. Authorities have advised people in affected areas to remain vigilant.

Also read: Rainfall Eases in Odisha, But Fresh Downpour Expected from August 2

Meanwhile, the Baitarani river has also crossed danger levels due to continuous rainfall. At Akhuapada, the river’s danger mark is 18.33 meters, but by 5 am Thursday, the water level had risen to 18.60 meters.

Floodwaters have entered villages in Bhadrak district’s Bhandaripokhari and Dhamnagar blocks, leaving many families marooned. Roads and communication links have been severely disrupted as water flows across multiple routes.

The Brahmani river too has witnessed its first flood of the season. At Jenapur, the danger level is 67.00 feet, but by midnight the water had surged to 67.80 feet.

Rising waters have breached embankments near Bari, creating two major breaches at Bandhdhia. Floodwaters have entered villages in Bandhdhia panchayat and surrounding areas, worsening the situation.

The combined impact of floods in these three major rivers has triggered widespread concern across Odisha. District administrations are on high alert, monitoring embankments and deploying rescue teams to vulnerable areas. With continuous rainfall feeding the rivers, officials fear further deterioration of the flood situation.

Relief measures are being prepared to assist stranded families, while authorities continue to assess damage to roads, crops, and property.