Bhubaneswar: The Central Water Commission (CWC) has warned of rising river levels and possible above-normal flood conditions in several parts of Odisha between October 28 and 29 amid forecasts of heavy to very heavy rainfall.
The Commission has identified the lower reaches of the Mahanadi, Baitarani, Brahmani, Indravati, Vamsadhara, Nagavali, Saveri, Rushikulya, Daya and Bhargavi rivers as vulnerable to rising water levels, with several districts likely to be affected.
The warning covers Ganjam, Gajapati, Koraput, Rayagada, Malkangiri, Nabarangpur, Kandhamal, Khordha, Puri, Kataka, Kendrapara, Jagatsinghpur, Bhadrak, Balasore, Jajpur, Keonjhar and Mayurbhanj, among others.
Separately, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a flash flood-related warning for 17 districts, including Ganjam, Gajapati, Koraput, Rayagada, Nabarangpur, Kandhamal, Nayagada, Boudh, Subarnapur, Baragada, Sambalpur, Anugola, Khordha, Puri, Nuapada, Balangir and Jharsuguda.
Heavy rainfall could increase river discharge and inundate low-lying areas, prompting authorities to maintain close surveillance of the situation.
According to CWC data, water levels in the Rushikulya river are rising at Sorada and Purushottampur in Ganjam district. Rising levels have also been reported in the Badajhor river at Mahendragada and the Harbhangi river at Mohana in Gajapati district, as well as the Kolab river at Sirimoda in Koraput district.
The Commission has also flagged the possibility of increased inflows into the Balimela, Jalaput, Upper Indravati, Kolab and Rengali reservoirs. Reservoir authorities have been advised to regulate water releases in accordance with prescribed operating rules to minimise the risk of flooding downstream and waterlogging in upstream areas.
