Bhubaneswar: The Water Resources Department on Monday issued a fresh flood bulletin at 10 am, stating that the flood situation remains critical in the districts of Balasore, Bhadrak, and Jajpur, with rivers Subarnarekha and Baitarani flowing above their danger levels.
The water level of the Baitarani River at Akhuapada is currently at 18.96 meters, which is above the danger level of 18.33 meters. However, the level is showing a steady trend and is expected to ease and recede further.
A breach in the right embankment of the Kani River was reported at RD 2050 meters in Mallikapur GP under Dasarathpur Block during the early hours of Monday. The district administration has been put on alert. ODRAF teams have been deployed and restoration work will begin once water levels recede.
In a media briefing, Engineer-in-Chief of the Water Resources Department, Chandra Sekhar Padhi, provided updates on the state’s major reservoirs.
At the Hirakud Dam, 12 sluice gates have been opened to release excess water, as the current reservoir level stands at 621.61 feet, nearing its full capacity of 630 feet. Inflow is measured at 2.11 lakh cusecs, while 2.22 lakh cusecs are being discharged through the gates, powerhouse, and canals.
The Rengali Dam is also nearing full capacity, with the water level at 122.8 meters, just short of its 123-meter capacity. Current inflow stands at 6,166 cumecs, while 3,746 cumecs are being released. The dam is currently 90% full. Two gates have been opened to release water and more gates will be opened if necessary.
In the upper catchment of the Subarnarekha River at Jamsholaghat, the water level is rising, currently at 50.74 meters—well above the danger level of 49.16 meters. However, downstream at Rajghat, the water level is 10.72 meters, slightly above the danger level of 10.36 meters but showing a falling trend.
According to the Central Water Commission (CWC), the water level may recede to 10.40 meters by 1 pm on August 26, before possibly rising again with incoming floodwaters.
The State Flood Cell under the Water Resources Department is operating round the clock, closely monitoring the situation. District collectors of Jajpur, Bhadrak, and Balasore have been alerted and are coordinating evacuation and relief operations in vulnerable areas.
Chief Engineers and Basin Managers of the Subarnarekha-Budhabalanga, Mahanadi-Brahmani-Baitarani, and Baitarani systems are on-site, supervising the situation in coordination with district administrations.
