Bhubaneswar: In the wake of continuous rainfall and surging river levels, the Odisha government has sounded a flood alert and deployed two Engineers-in-Chief to the Subarnarekha and Baitarani basins to oversee mitigation efforts.
The decision comes after water levels in both rivers crossed their danger marks, triggering concerns across multiple districts.
According to the State Water Resources Department, several rivers—including Subarnarekha, Baitarani, Brahmani, and Jalka—are flowing at or above danger levels due to persistent downpours across the state.
To manage the unfolding situation, two senior engineers have been sent from Bhubaneswar to the vulnerable basins for real-time monitoring and coordination with local administrations.
In Kendrapara, Collector Raghuram R. Iyer reviewed flood preparedness in Pattamundai and Aul blocks. He also visited several low-lying Gram Panchayats (GPs) that are considered high-risk zones in case of flooding.
Chief Engineer Chandrashekhar Padhi confirmed that the Jalka River is flowing at 7.20 meters, well above its danger level of 6.5 meters.
“We are maintaining constant communication with district authorities. If needed, evacuation and restoration measures will be promptly initiated,” he said.
District administrations in Jajpur and Bhadrak have already begun precautionary evacuations. Relief camps have been set up in several locations, and vulnerable families are being shifted to safer zones.
The government has urged residents in low-lying and flood-prone areas to remain alert and follow safety advisories.
