Odisha Floods Update: Mahanadi Crosses Danger Mark At Naraj; Northern Rivers Recede

Bhubaneswar: Water levels in the Mahanadi river system have risen sharply, crossing the danger mark at Naraj near Kataka and triggering high alerts for districts in the lower basin as heavy rainfall in upstream catchment areas continues to feed the river and its tributaries.

As of the latest reports, about 2,77,000 cusecs of water was being discharged through Naraj Barrage.

Meanwhile, receding water levels across northern rivers provide slight relief to other flood-affected regions in Odisha.

Mahanadi Basin Escalation

At Naraj, the Mahanadi breached its official danger mark of 26.41 m, climbing steadily through the night to reach 26.61 m by 6 am on July 30. This surge is driven by substantial inflows from tributaries such as the Tel, Ib, and Jira rivers, which are contributing to increased discharge downstream.

The dramatic rise in water levels and furious currents swept four civets downriver, leaving them trapped against the structural pillars and gates of the Naraj Barrage. Visibly exhausted and frightened, three of the animals managed to cling to the barrage support pillars while a fourth remained pinned near a barrage gate where severe whirlpool currents prevented any immediate self-escape. Locals have alerted the Fire Services, but the personnel are facing immense challenges due to the rapid velocity of the discharge.

At the Hirakud Reservoir, inflows were recorded at around 2.13 lakh cusecs early on July 30, with outflows of approximately 65,000 cusecs through two open sluice gates. The reservoir level reached 619.54 ft, rising from 617.91 ft recorded twelve hours earlier at 6 pm. Further downstream, all 10 gates at the Mundali barrage have been opened, with discharge exceeding 8 lakh cusecs and forecasts indicating it could reach around 9 lakh cusecs by evening, potentially leading to moderate flooding in the basin.

Mahanadi Water Levels

Station	Danger Level	Warning Level	9:00 PM	12:00 AM	3:00 AM	6:00 AM	Trend
Mahanadi (Naraj)	26.41 m	25.41 m	25.81 m	25.94 m	26.29 m	26.61 m	Rising

Officials from the Water Resources Department have warned of possible inundation in low-lying areas along the Mahanadi, including parts of Kataka, Boudh, and other riparian districts. In Boudh, the river level reached 87.39 metres, above the warning mark and approaching danger levels, while discharge hovered near 8.23 lakh cusecs. Floodwaters have marooned over ten villages in the block and submerged four key stretches of Jagannath Road.

Similarly, floodwaters have entered Bhattarika Temple in Cuttack’s Badamba area, prompting authorities to relocate the deity’s idol to higher ground. Over 400 acres of crops have been submerged in affected blocks of the district, marking a second wave of damage for many farmers this season. Fishing has been banned on the Mahanadi, and residents in vulnerable villages have been advised to prepare for evacuation to safer locations or shelters.

Northern Rivers Seeing Relief

In contrast, northern rivers such as the Baitarani, Burhabalang, and parts of the Brahmani are showing receding or stable trends, offering some relief to previously inundated districts like Baleshwar, Bhadrak, and Jajpur. For instance, levels at key stations on the Baitarani have fallen below or are trending downward from warning and danger marks.

Baitarani River: Levels at Anandpur fell to 36.67 m (below its 37.44 m warning level) by 6 am. While the level at Akhuapada remains slightly above its danger mark of 18.33 m at 18.58 m, it continues a consistent downward trend from 19.49 m recorded at 9 pm
Burhabalang River: At N.H. 5, water levels dropped to 07.68 m, falling below the danger mark of 08.13 m.
Brahmani River: Water levels at Panposh dropped to 173.34 m (well below the warning level of 177.51 m). However, downstream at Jenapur, levels were reported at 22.41 m, hovering above the 22.00 m warning level.
Jalaka River: At Mathani, the water level stabilized at 06.68 m, marginally above its danger level of 06.50 m.

River Water Level Overview (As of 6 am, July 30)

River & Station	Danger Level (m)	Warning Level (m)	Status at 6:00 AM	Trend
Brahmani (Panposh)	178.42	177.51	173.34 m	Falling
Brahmani (Jenapur)	23.00	22.00	22.41 m	Rising
Baitarani (Anandpur)	38.36	37.44	36.67 m	Falling
Baitarani (Akhuapada)	18.33	17.83	18.58 m	Falling
Burhabalang (N.H. 5)	08.13	07.21	07.68 m	Falling
Jalaka (Mathani)	06.50	06.00	06.68 m	Steady

The flood situation across Odisha has already taken a toll, with 54 blocks covering 1,591 villages in 379 gram panchayats and 14 urban local bodies in Balasore, Bhadrak, Jajpur, Mayurbhanj and Keonjhar affected. Rescue and relief teams evacuated 99,067 people from low-lying areas, while 354 villages remained marooned. Three deaths have been reported, including a fire service personnel. Relief operations by NDRF, ODRAF, and fire services teams are underway, with thousands sheltered in relief camps. Schools in multiple districts remain closed.

Special Relief Commissioner Rajesh Prabhakar Patil and district administrations are closely monitoring the situation, with instructions to keep emergency response teams on standby, inspect embankments, and provide timely assistance. Authorities have urged residents to follow official advisories and avoid venturing into floodwaters.

Meanwhile, the Deep Depression over Western parts of central Chhattisgarh and adjoining east Madhya Pradesh remained practically stationary during the past 6 hours, about 70 km east of Malanjkhand (Madhya Pradesh), 80 km north of Durg (Chhattisgarh), 80 km west-southwest of Bilaspur (Chhattisgarh), 80 km north-northwest of Raipur (Chhattisgarh), and 130 km east-northeast of Gondia (Maharashtra). It is very likely to move nearly westwards across Chhattisgarh, east Madhya Pradesh & adjoining Vidarbha and weaken gradually into a depression during the next 12 hours.