Bhubaneswar: The state government’s Water Resources Department continues to monitor the flood situation closely following incessant rains in Jharkhand and Odisha’s Mayurbhanj and Balasore districts, which caused rising water levels in several rivers.
According to the department’s Flood Cell bulletin issued at 3 pm, water levels in rivers Subarnarekha, Budhabalanga, and Jalaka had been swelling, with the Subarnarekha flowing above danger level. At Rajghat, the Subarnarekha river was recorded at 11.56 metres against the danger mark of 10.36 metres, though the trend was steady. The Budhabalanga river was at 6.72 metres at NH-5, Govindpur, below its danger level of 8.13 metres and showing a falling trend. Similarly, the Jalaka river stood at 6.71 metres at Mathani, slightly above the danger level of 6.50 metres and also showing a falling trend.
As per the Eastern Regional Division of the Central Water Commission (ERD, CWC), Bhubaneswar, peak flood in the Subarnarekha was expected at Rajghat around 6 am on July 1, forecasted to return to the danger level before receding.
Updated Situation
By 7 pm, floodwaters in the Budhabalanga river are receding. Water level at NH-5 near Balasore has dropped to 6.32 metres, below the warning level of 7.21 metres. Photos from Kasab TRE, Dumuda, Kantabania areas in Balasore sadar and Nilagiri side confirm the retreat of floodwaters.
The State Flood Cell remains operational round the clock to monitor the situation. The Collector of Balasore continues to be on alert, coordinating evacuation and relief operations in vulnerable areas. An Engineer-in-Chief and a Chief Engineer are deployed in Balasore to oversee flood management and assist local administration.
