Bhubaneswar, July 9: Odisha is bracing for potential flooding as water levels in the Subarnarekha and Mahanadi rivers rise alarmingly.

At Rajghat in Balasore district, the Subarnarekha river has crossed the warning mark and is nearing the danger level of 10.36 meters, flowing at 9.95 meters as of 9 am on Wednesday. This marks the third flood scare from the river this year, prompting authorities to issue alerts for moderate flooding in low-lying areas.

Heavy rainfall in Jharkhand and northern Odisha has contributed to the surge, with the Galudih barrage releasing excess water into Subarnarekha.

Villages in Bhograi, Baliapal, and Jaleswar blocks are already experiencing partial inundation, and ODRAF teams have been deployed for emergency response.

Meanwhile, in Cuttack district, floodwaters from the Mahanadi river have breached the boundary of the revered Maa Bhattarika temple in Baramba following the seasonal release from Hirakud Dam.

The temple premises are partially submerged, and the Endowment Department has issued public warnings, restricting access to the shrine. Police personnel have been stationed to prevent devotees from entering the flooded zone.

Despite the water ingress, temple servitors and officials are ensuring that daily rituals continue uninterrupted. Precautionary measures are in place to relocate the idol to a safer location if the situation worsens.

With the India Meteorological Department forecasting further rainfall in the coming days, the next 48 hours are critical for flood management across affected districts.

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