Bhubaneswar: Heavy rainfall triggered by a deep depression over southern Odisha has led to a flood situation in the Vamsadhara River, with Kashinagar in Gajapati district bearing the brunt.
According to Chief Engineer of the Water Resources Department, Chandrasekhar Padhi, the river’s water level is flowing above the danger mark. While the danger level stands at 54.64 meters, the current water level has reached 55.24 meters. Inflow from the Harabhangi River is expected to further raise the water level, he cautioned.
The local administration has begun evacuating residents from vulnerable areas and is closely monitoring the situation. Padhi informed that although 27 blocks across 9 districts recorded rainfall between 100 mm and 352 mm (the highest at Thuamul Rampur in Kalahandi), no other rivers are currently facing a flood threat.
At Hirakud Dam, the water level stood at 628.67 feet on Thursday, with an inflow of 1.06 lakh cusecs and an outflow of 1.82 lakh cusecs through nine gates. While more gates may be opened in the coming days, the situation is expected to remain under control.
Padhi also noted that water levels in reservoirs across Koraput, Rayagada, and Gajapati districts have risen. The Tel River may see a slight increase in water level due to the rainfall, but there is no flood risk at present.
Meanwhile, Chhattisgarh witnessed rainfall on Thursday and it is likely to continue on Friday, potentially impacting river inflows in Odisha.
