Bhubaneswar: Amid heavy downpour triggered by a depression, major rivers have started swelling in Odisha, particularly northern region, prompting the state government to sound flood alerts and initiate emergency preparedness in vulnerable areas.
Issuing a flood bulletin on Saturday, the Water Resources Department warned of rising water levels in major rivers like Subarnarekha, Jalaka, and Baitarani.
Officials said the situation is critical in the Baitarani River as the water level at Anandpur has already touched 38.82 meters, much above the danger mark of 38.36 meters, and continues to rise.
Though the water level stood at 17.98 meters at Akhuapada, below the danger mark of 18.33 meters, the Central Water Commission (CWC) has projected a further rise to 18.65 meters by 10 pm.
The situation is equally grave In Balasore district as the Jalaka River is also flowing above the danger level. At Mathani, the river is steady at 7.20 meters, much above the danger mark of 6.50 meters, adding to the apprehensions of flash floods in nearby low-lying areas.
This apart, the Subarnarekha River is also swelling. At Jamsola Ghat, the water level stood at 47.92 meters, moving towards the danger level of 49.16 meters. At Rajghat, the river was flowing at 7.26 meters but rising rapidly.
In view of the rising river water, the State Flood Control Room under the Water Resources Department is working round the clock, closely tracking real-time river data and coordinating emergency response.
In districts like Jajpur, Bhadrak, and Balasore, the authorities have been placed on high alert. Collectors have been instructed to initiate evacuation of vulnerable populations from low-lying pockets and ensure that relief measures are activated swiftly.
According to Water Resources Department Chief Engineer Chandrasekhar Padhi, floodwater is likely to affect parts of Bhadrak, Balasore, and Jajpur, especially low-lying areas in Dhamnagar, Chandbali, and Dasarathpur in the next 24 hours.
While Subarnarekha and Budhabalanga are currently stable, Padhi warned they are expected to swell by Sunday, with possible floodwaters impacting Bhogarai, Baliapal, Basta, and Jaleswar in Balasore district.
To bolster field-level monitoring and mitigation efforts, two senior engineers from the department have been dispatched from Bhubaneswar to oversee flood management in the Subarnarekha and Baitarani basins.
Additionally, basin managers and chief engineers from the Subarnarekha-Budhabalanga, Mahanadi-Brahmani-Baitarani, and Baitarani systems are coordinating with local officials to ensure timely interventions.
Authorities have urged residents in flood-prone zones to remain vigilant, follow official advisories, and cooperate with evacuation and relief teams as the state braces for a potential flood situation over the next 24 hours.
Rescue teams from ODRAF, NDRF, and Fire Services have been mobilised across Balasore, Bhadrak, Kendrapada, and Jajpur districts. The disaster response plan includes readiness for evacuation and embankment monitoring.