Bhubaneswar: With flood threat looming over Odisha amid incessant rain triggered by a deep depression, the Salandi River has crossed the danger level at Rajghat in Bhadrak district.
According to information, the Salandi River was flowing at 17.20 feet at Rajghat, much above the official danger mark of 17 feet.
The sharp rise in the river’s water level has been attributed to heavy inflow of water following incessant downpour in the upper catchment areas.
Sources said several low-lying areas have already started encountering waterlogging, while authorities are closely monitoring the situation. Several villages in Tihidi and Chandbali blocks have reportedly been affected as floodwaters inundated roads, agricultural fields, and residential areas.
The rising water has disrupted normal life, with residents facing difficulties in transportation and daily activities.
The district administration is keeping a close watch on the river’s water level. Officials have advised people living in flood-prone areas to remain vigilant.
Sources said that water levels also rose sharply in several other major rivers, including the Jalaka, and Baitarani.
According to Engineer-in-Chief of the Water Resources Department, Dillip Kumar Rout, North Odisha received intense rainfall over the past 24 hours, with Nilgiri in Baleshwar district recording the highest precipitation.
Flood situations are expected emerge in the Jalaka, Salandi and Baitarani rivers by Tuesday evening. A major flood is likely in the Baitarani River, with the water level at Akhuapada expected to touch the danger mark by evening. The flood is likely to affect low-lying areas in Dhamnagar, Dasarathpur and Chandbali, while agricultural lands are also expected to be inundated. Water released from reservoirs is likely to cause waterlogging in Bhadrak, said Rout.
While the Mahanadi witnessed its peak flood level on Monday evening, the water level has since started receding, with a gradual fall being recorded at Mundali. However, waterlogging remains a possibility in low-lying areas of Puri, Jagatsinghpur and Kendrapada.
Regarding Hirakud Dam, Rout said two gates remain open, and no additional gates are likely to be opened over the next two days.
According to Revenue and Disaster Management Minister Suresh Pujari, Odisha received an average rainfall of 47.2 mm during the latest spell. Eight blocks received more than 200 mm of rainfall, while the state has recorded 84 per cent excess rainfall over the past eight days compared to the seasonal average.
