Bhubaneswar: Heavy and incessant rainfall in the upstream regions of Mayurbhanj and Keonjhar districts has led to a significant rise in the water levels of the Subarnarekha, Jalaka, and Baitarani rivers, prompting flood warnings and a heightened state of alert across northern Odisha.
The Baitarani river is a major concern, with its water level at Anandpur currently at 38.82 meters, surpassing its danger mark of 38.36 meters and continuing to rise. Similarly, at Akhuapada, the Baitarani’s water level stands at 17.98 meters and is also increasing. The Central Water Commission (CWC) estimates that this level could further rise to 18.65 meters by 10 PM today, exceeding its danger signal of 18.33 meters.
The Jalaka river at Mathani is flowing above its danger mark, recorded at 7.20 meters, which is higher than its danger signal level of 6.50 meters. While currently steady, authorities are closely monitoring the situation.
The Subarnarekha river, though currently below its danger marks at some points, is also experiencing rising water levels. At Jamshola Ghat, the water level is 47.92 meters, rising towards its danger signal of 49.16 meters. At Rajghat, the level is 7.26 meters and rising, with its danger signal at 10.36 meters. Alarmingly, CWC estimates predict that the Subarnarekha river could reach its highest flood water level of 11.7 meters by 10:00 AM on July 27, 2025.
In response to the escalating situation, the State Flood Control Cell of the Water Resources Department is operating round-the-clock (24×7) to closely monitor the flood situation.
District Collectors of Jajpur, Bhadrak, and Balasore have been issued stern warnings to immediately evacuate residents from low-lying areas to safer, higher grounds. Relief work is being initiated wherever necessary to mitigate the impact of the local flood situation.
Top officials from the Water Resources Department, including the Chief Engineer and Basin Manager for Subarnarekha and Budhabalang Basin, and the Chief Engineer and Basin Manager of Mahanadi-Brahmani-Baitarani System, along with the Chief Engineer and Basin Manager, Baitarani Basin, are actively supervising the flood situation at the ground level in coordination with the respective district administrations.
Furthermore, two senior engineers from the Water Resources Department have been dispatched from Bhubaneswar to the Subarnarekha and Baitarani Basins to manage the flood situation in those critical areas.
Residents in the affected and vulnerable regions are urged to remain vigilant, follow instructions from local authorities, and take all necessary precautions to ensure their safety.