Following heavy downpours triggered by Cyclone ‘Arnab’, the Water Resources Department of Odisha has intensified its monitoring of the state’s flood situation.
Addressing a press briefing at Secha Sadana on Friday, Engineer-in-Chief Dillip Kumar Rout stated that while the Rushikulya River is currently flowing above the danger mark, all other major rivers across the state remain under strict observation and control.
“Nobody had anticipated such a massive volume of rainfall in Ganjam district,” Mr Rout noted, highlighting the unprecedented weather pattern.
River Levels and Heavy Rainfall Impact
At Purushottampur, the Rushikulya River was flowing at 18.28 meters on Friday morning at 9:00 AM—standing 1.44 meters above its danger mark of 16.84 meters. However, water levels have steadily receded, dropping to 18 meters by noon. Water levels in Sorada and Madhabarida remain safely below danger limits. Meanwhile, in Balasore, the Jalaka River at Mathani Road Bridge briefly crossed the danger mark before receding. Other major river systems, including the Mahanadi, Brahmani, Baitarani, and Vanshadhara, continue to flow safely below danger thresholds.
The unexpected downpour severely affected Ganjam and Balasore. Over the preceding 24 hours, Bhograi in Balasore recorded 185 mm of rainfall, while Patrapur in Ganjam recorded 173 mm. Heavy rainfall was also documented across Polasara (154.6 mm), Dharakote, Belaguntha, Chikiti, and Digapahandi, triggering localised flooding in Ganjam.
Reservoir Status and Precautions
Major reservoirs across the state remain in a healthy and stable condition. The Hirakud Dam’s water level stands at 627.41 feet, reaching 89.5% of its live storage capacity. Essential reservoirs including Rengali, Upper Indravati, Upper Kolab, Balimela, and Machkund maintain safe storage levels. Although discharge in the lower reaches of the Mahanadi remains high, officials are closely tracking all barrage gates and drainage channels.
With light to moderate rainfall forecasted in upper catchment areas of the Rushikulya, Vanshadhara, and Nagavali rivers over the coming days, the Water Resources Department maintains a 24-hour surveillance network. Authorities have urged residents residing near riverbanks to stay vigilant and strictly adhere to district administration guidelines as the situation continues to stabilise.
