Bhubaneswar: Despite heavy rainfall recorded in several parts of Odisha, river water levels remain below warning marks, and there is no flood threat in the state, said Chandra Sekhar Padhi, Engineer-in-Chief of the Water Resources Department, on Wednesday.
Padhi reported that 16 blocks in Odisha received rainfall of 50 mm or more on Tuesday. This has led to a rise in water levels across major rivers; however, all rivers are currently flowing within safe limits.
The Brahmani River at Jenapur is at 3.49 meters, well below the warning level. The Baitarani River is 0.47 meters below the warning mark, while the Budhabalanga and Subarnarekha rivers are 4.03 meters and 4.54 meters below their respective warning levels. Additionally, the Rushikulya and Bansadhara rivers are flowing normally below their warning thresholds.
To manage the increased inflow, six gates of the Hirakud Dam have been opened, along with one gate at the Rengali Dam. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecasted further rainfall of 36 to 37 mm in the Baitarani, lower Brahmani, and lower Mahanadi basins.
At Akhuapada, the water level is currently 17.86 meters, slightly above the warning level of 17.83 meters. The danger level is set at 18.33 meters. According to predictive models, the water level may rise to 18.12 meters by this evening, but it is expected to remain below the danger mark.
Padhi emphasised that the situation is being closely monitored and assured the public that no flood situation is anticipated at this time.
“This is the current scenario. While rainfall has increased water levels, all rivers are flowing safely below warning limits, and no flooding is expected,” he said during a media briefing.
