Bhubaneswar: The Water Resources Department has sounded a major flood alert for the Baitarani River, with water levels expected to peak by this evening following 24 hours of intense rain across north Odisha.
Addressing a press conference on Tuesday, Chief Engineer Dillip Raot said the Salandi and Jalaka rivers are also likely to swell and face flooding as incessant rainfall continues to push water levels up.
According to Rout, the Baitarani River may experience a high flood situation by this evening. Although the water level at Akhuapada has not yet crossed the danger mark, it is likely to do so by evening. This may severely affect Dharmanagar, Dasarathpur, and Chandbali areas, with large tracts of farmland at risk of submergence. The water level may recede after 24 hours.
Rout further said the administration is closely monitoring the situation and making preparations for possible evacuation in vulnerable areas.
Meanwhile, the water level in the Jalaka River near Makhnai Bridge is likely to cross the danger mark and reach between 6.8 to 7 metres by evening. Due to water release from dams, several low-lying areas in Bhadrak district may face waterlogging.
Cloudburst-like showers have thrown normal life out of gear in several parts of north Odisha. As per department data, Balasore town received the highest rainfall in the state in the last 24 hours, recording 246.6 mm. The downpour has led to inundation of low-lying areas, disrupting daily activities and raising concerns in vulnerable pockets.
