River Levels Recede, Thousands Still Marooned Across Odisha

Bhubaneswar, Aug 1: Floodwaters have begun receding in several major rivers across Odisha, offering some relief after days of heavy rainfall. However, large parts of the state remain inundated, with thousands of people still marooned, road connectivity disrupted and rescue and relief operations continuing in multiple districts.

Bhadrak: River Levels Fall, But Low-Lying Areas Remain Submerged
The water levels of the Baitarani and Salandi rivers have dropped and are now flowing well below the danger mark. Floodwaters have also receded in their tributaries.

Despite the improvement, floodwater continues to inundate low-lying areas. In Dhamnagar block, Kasimpur, Fatepur, Sahaspur, Palasahi, Raipur, Arjunpur and Kothar panchayats remain affected by flooding from the Baitarani. In Tihidi block, Shyamsundarpur, Barasar and Gobindpur panchayats continue to remain waterlogged, while seven panchayats in Chandbali block are still inundated.

Authorities closed the gates of the Hadagarh Dam on the Salandi River on Friday evening, contributing to the decline in the river’s water level. At Rajghat, where the danger level is 17 feet, the river was flowing at just over 13 feet at 8 am on Saturday.

However, eight wards in Bhadrak municipality, along with Arnapal and Bishnupur Bindha panchayats in Bhadrak block and Talagopabindha and Kampada panchayats in Tihidi block, remain waterlogged.

Flood conditions remain severe in Chandbali block despite the gradual fall in river levels.

As many as 10 panchayats are surrounded by floodwater, while more than 30 villages remain cut off from the outside world. Water continues to flow over roads at several locations, bringing transport to a standstill.

According to official figures, floodwaters have affected around 4.82 lakh people across 112 panchayats in Bhadrak district. More than 60,000 acres of agricultural land remain submerged. Rescue teams are continuing efforts to evacuate pregnant women from affected areas.

Jajpur: Families Return Home to Damaged Houses
Although floodwater in the Baitarani has receded, residents in several areas are now confronting the aftermath.

More than 20 families who had taken shelter at Ankula village grazing ground in Panasa panchayat under Jajpur block have returned home. Many found the mud walls of their houses damaged, with earthen cooking stoves washed away. Families have begun cleaning and repairing their homes.

Kataka: Villages Still Surrounded by Floodwater
The Mahanadi’s water level has fallen slightly, but floodwater in its tributaries continues to inundate villages.

Three panchayats in Banki block remain surrounded by water. Villages including Baigeni, Mundali, Maijori, Tentulia, Pathapur and Sampur Patana continue to remain cut off.

Water is flowing over the Chandrapa bridge, forcing authorities to suspend vehicular movement.