Bhubaneswar: Flood situation started showing signs of improvement in Odisha on Tuesday amid gradual drop in water levels in major rivers in the state.
Sharing information regarding the flood situation, Engineer-in-Chief (EIC) in the State Water Resources Department, Chandra Sekhar Padhi said the water level of Subarnarekha River at Rajghat in Balasore district has receded to 10.7 meters.
The water level of the river is likely to drop below the danger mark by Tuesday evening, with a further decline to the warning level anticipated by midnight or early Wednesday, he told reporters.
The EIC said rainfall has reportedly stopped in the upper catchment areas of the Subarnarekha River, leading to fall in the water level. The situation is likely to improve further.
On the other hand, the Baitarani River has already dropped below the danger level at Akhuapada, while normalcy is likely to return across most basins soon.
The water levels at certain vulnerable points such as Jamsholaghat and Akhuapada are receding steadily, indicating a general improvement in the flood situation. Restoration and repair work in flood-affected areas is scheduled to commence from Wednesday.
In Balasore district, areas such as Basta, Bhograi, Baliapal and Jaleswar reported flooding. In Jajpur, Dasharathpur block remains affected, while in Bhadrak district, Bhandaripokhari, Tihidi and Dhamnagar blocks are still under strain.
The most severe impact continues in Jajpur’s Kani river belt, where a breach in the embankment inundated dozens of villages, informed Padhi. Repairs on embankments damaged by heavy discharge are expected to start within the next two days.
In southern Odisha, rivers like Vamsadhara, Nagavali and Kolab recorded slight rise in water level and flow following rainfall. However, the situation is not alarming at all.
No rainfall was reported in the catchments of major rivers, including the Budhabalanga, Baitarani, Brahmani, Mahanadi, and the Rushikulya basin.
Referring to the Mahanadi River, officials said four gates of Hirakud dam have been closed, leaving eight in operation for water discharge from the reservoir. The Mundali barrage reported a flow of around three lakh cusecs, which remained within safe limits.
Meanwhile, Revenue and Disaster Management Minister Suresh Pujari visited severely affected areas of Jajpur district where a breach in the Kani river embankment has submerged nearly 40 villages across 15 panchayats
The Minister said repair work will begin immediately after floodwaters recede. Further, three ODRAF teams and two Fire Services units have been deployed to assist in rescue and relief operations in the affected areas.