Bhubaneswar, Jul 26: Odisha’s Water Resources Department has issued a flood alert across several northern districts as heavy rainfall continues to lash the state, causing major rivers to swell beyond danger levels.

Chief Engineer Chandra Sekhar Padhi confirmed that intense to extremely heavy rainfall has occurred in the Subarnarekha, Jalaka, and Baitarani basins, triggering fears of widespread flooding.

The Subarnarekha River, which received 93.99 mm of rainfall, is expected to cross 11.7 meters at Rajghat by 10 am on Sunday, well above its danger mark. The Jalaka River is already flowing above the danger level, prompting the opening of the Galadihi gate. Similarly, the Baitarani basin at Akhuapada is under red alert, with water levels rising rapidly.

In Mayurbhanj district, 13 blocks recorded over 100 mm of rainfall, and evacuation procedures have begun in low-lying areas. District administrations in Balasore, Bhadrak, and Jajpur have been instructed to remain on high alert.

The flood is expected to impact Chandbali, Dhamnagar, Dasarathpur, and surrounding regions, with water levels predicted to reach up to 40 meters in some areas.

The Budhabalanga River is also under threat, while the Brahmani River, which received 38 mm of rainfall, remains below danger level at the Rengali Dam, currently holding water at 121 feet with three gates open.

Meanwhile, the Hirakud Dam has reached 610 feet, with 20 gates opened to manage inflow. The Upper Mahanadi basin received 35 mm of rainfall, but no flood threat has been reported in the Mahanadi system yet. Water inflow into Hirakud stands at 4.46 lakh cusecs, with 3.36 lakh cusecs being discharged.

Evacuation and relief efforts are underway, with district collectors coordinating with ODRAF teams. Residents in vulnerable areas are urged to follow official advisories and move to safer locations.

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