Despite relentless downpours across parts of Odisha, the state government has ruled out the possibility of major flooding—at least for now. Revenue and Disaster Management Minister Suresh Pujari addressed the public on Sunday, assuring that no river in the state is currently flowing above the danger mark, even as water levels continue to rise due to ongoing rainfall.
While areas like Bhadrak, Jharsuguda, and Sundargarh have suffered localized flooding and infrastructure damage, there have been no reports of breaches or full-scale inundations in villages or towns. Minister Pujari confirmed that damage assessment is ongoing and said compensation for affected families will be announced by evening, based on field reports.
“Torrential rain has caused waterlogging in some low-lying zones, but floodwaters have not entered any settlements,” he clarified.
District administrations have been instructed to remain on high alert, especially in vulnerable and low-lying pockets. Temporary shelters and relief centres are fully prepared, and ODRAF and NDRF teams have been strategically stationed for rapid deployment if conditions worsen.
“Collectors have been ordered to closely monitor high-risk zones. Evacuation protocols are in place, should the situation escalate,” Pujari added.
Meanwhile, the Hirakud Dam—Odisha’s key flood-control infrastructure—has witnessed a surge in water inflow due to persistent rainfall in the upper Mahanadi basin. As a precaution, 20 sluice gates have been opened to manage the rising water.
According to the Water Resources Department:
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Current water level: 609.79 feet
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Inflow: 3,42,453 cusecs
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Outflow: 3,35,649 cusecs
Officials are closely monitoring real-time data and more gates could be opened if inflow continues to rise. A flood warning has been issued for low-lying areas of the Mahanadi delta, but authorities maintain that there is no threat of large-scale flooding at present.
