Odisha Confirms No Flood Threat in State

Bhubaneswar:2/8/26:Odisha’s Engineer‑in‑Chief Dillip Kumar Rout has assured that there is no further flood threat in the Mahanadi or other rivers of the state.

Reviewing the situation, he said water levels in all major rivers have fallen below danger marks and low‑lying areas are gradually recovering.

At Anandpur Barrage, the water level stood at 34.66 m against the danger mark of 38.36 m, while at Bhadrak’s Rajghat Bridge it was 12.60 ft against 17 ft danger level. Similar declines were reported in Salandi and other rivers. Rout noted that Hirakud reservoir has 22 gates open, releasing 3.83 lakh cusecs, with Mundali recording 6.08 lakh cusecs flow.

He explained that June rainfall was 47% below normal, leading to water retention in reservoirs, but July saw 38% above‑normal rainfall, with some areas receiving 200–328 mm in short bursts, triggering temporary floods. With rainfall easing, the situation is now under control.

Rout emphasised that flood‑control systems exist for the Mahanadi, but Baitarani and other rivers lack such mechanisms, which worsened the crisis. Repair work has already begun on breached embankments in Baitarani.

While crops in Kendrapada and Bhadrak suffered damage due to inundation, overall flood conditions are receding. Authorities continue to monitor rainfall and advise caution in vulnerable areas.

Meanwhile, Revenue Minister Suresh Pujari stated that more than 22 districts were affected, with Baleshwar, Bhadrak, and Jajpur among the worst hit. He said the situation has improved significantly, and damage assessment is underway.

Teams from the Agriculture and Revenue Departments have begun field surveys to evaluate crop loss and property damage, including reports of collapsed houses, damaged schools, and Anganwadi centres. The Water Resources Department has been directed to repair embankments, while ministers have been advised by the Chief Minister to conduct on‑ground reviews.

Pujari added that the Centre has already released Rs 500 crore in assistance before any formal request for additional funds was made.