Bhubaneswar: Following moderate rainfall across several river catchment areas in Odisha, water levels in major rivers such as the Baitarani, Budhabalanga, and Subarnarekha have shown a noticeable rise. However, the Water Resources Department on Tuesday clarified that there is currently no flood threat in the state.
Engineer-in-Chief of the Water Resources Department, Chandra Sekhar Padhi, briefed the media stating that rainfall was recorded across multiple river basins on Monday, contributing to the swelling of rivers.
As of 8.30 am on Tuesday, the department observed the following rainfall in key catchment areas: Budhabalanga River received 43.07 mm, Baitarani River 30.65 mm, Subarnarekha River 20.97 mm, Kolab Basin 29.20 mm, Nagavali River 20.18 mm, Indravati River 16.36 mm, Lower Brahmani 15 mm, and Bansadhara River 10.82 mm.
Padhi informed that due to this rainfall, water levels in the Baitarani, Budhabalanga, Jalaka, and Subarnarekha rivers are rising and may approach warning levels in some locations. However, unless further significant rainfall occurs today, these rivers are unlikely to breach danger levels.
“As of now, there is no flood situation in any of the river systems in Odisha.We are closely monitoring the situation. If there is no more rain, the rivers will remain below danger marks. There is no immediate cause for concern,” Padhi said.
The department also emphasised that all field officials have been alerted and standard operating procedures are in place should water levels rise further.
