The flood situation in Odisha continues to remain critical, with embankment breaches and rising river levels affecting large parts of the State. While the Mahanadi river system is gradually stabilising as rainfall recedes in its upper catchment, fresh concerns have emerged over the Baitarani and its distributaries. Our Correspondent reports, nearly eight lakh people across 57 blocks have been impacted, as authorities intensify relief, rescue and monitoring operations.

 

The flood situation in Odisha continues to remain critical, although the Mahanadi river system is now largely under control following a decline in rainfall over its upper catchment. Twelve sluice gates of the Hirakud reservoir remain open, and authorities may open twelve more if the reservoir level rises further.

 

Nearly 2.68 lakh people remain marooned in floodwaters. In Jajpur district, seven embankment breaches have been reported in the Brahmani, Kani and Nua Mahara rivers, inundating vast stretches and causing extensive damage, particularly in Dasarathpur block.

 

The Baitarani River is again rising and flowing close to the danger mark, while the Devi River is above the danger level and the Bhargavi is nearing it. Floodwaters of the Rajua River have also affected several villages in Khordha district.

 

Revenue Minister of Odisha Suresh Pujari today reviewed the flood situation and relief operations with district collectors through virtual mode and said the situation is expected to improve over the next twenty-four hours. As a precaution, schools in Khordha, Jagatsinghpur, Bhadrak and Jajpur remain closed.

 

Meanwhile, the IMD has warned of heavy rainfall in Puri, Jagatsinghpur, Cuttack and Khordha districts and has indicated the possibility of another weather system forming over the Bay of Bengal during the first half of next month.