The flood condition across several areas of Odisha is showing signs of recovery as water levels in major rivers continue to decline, although a “moderate” flood is expected within the Mahanadi river system, a senior official said on Friday.
Dillip Kumar Rout, Engineer-in-Chief of the Water Resources Department, stated that conditions across northern districts are gradually normalizing.
“Over the past three days, we managed flood conditions across three rivers—specifically the Jalaka, Salandi, and Baitarani—along with a flash flood in the Brahmani yesterday. However, water levels in those rivers are now dropping. Across all regions, levels are receding toward and below danger marks. Consequently, the flood scenario in Jajpur, Bhadrak, and Balasore districts is steadily improving,” Rout said.
The official stated that despite declining river levels, some coastal pockets continue to experience flooding due to local geographical conditions. “Because of tidal influences, significant areas remain waterlogged, leaving residents surrounded by floodwaters. We anticipate further operational improvement by tomorrow,” he added.
As northern rivers continue to recede, the department has shifted its focus to the Mahanadi river system, which is preparing to absorb an incoming surge of floodwaters.
“We are facing a moderate type of flood in the Mahanadi. This will affect the downstream areas. We have branch rivers of the Mahanadi in the downstream regions of the Delta, spanning from Kendrapara to Puri. Since the flood is not expected to be severe, we are fully alerted and are maintaining a strict vigil throughout the night,” the Engineer-in-Chief said.
The state government has deployed specialized technical teams to inspect river embankments and direct rescue and relief efforts on the ground.
“We have also deputed senior experts to all fields to every district and they have already reached there and they are on their duty…,” Rout said.
Earlier on July 29, around 61 Gram Panchayats covering 261 villages and a population of nearly 2.45 lakh were impacted by flooding in Odisha’s Bhadrak district, said Collector Dillip Rautrai.
The Collector noted that several villages remain marooned, with several panchayats completely isolated, particularly within the Dhamnagar and Bhandaripokhari blocks.
He said that free community kitchens have been set up at 51 centres to serve meals to stranded residents.
“On 29th of July, by 12 noon, we have assessed that about 61 Gram Panchayats covering about 261 villages and comprising a population of about 2,45,000 have been affected. And, uh, many of the villages have been marooned, many of the panchayats have been cut off, especially in Bhandaripokhari block and Dhamnagar block. Free kitchen is now made available in 51 centres, and the number of centres will go up because the river water of Baitarani is gradually going to the low-lying areas from Akhuapada. So almost all the Gram Panchayats of Dhamnagar block will be affected, including Dhamnagar NAC,” said the Collector.
Rautrai added that swelling water levels along the Salandi river system have also impacted Bhadrak municipality, Bhadrak block, and Tihidi block.
