Bhubaneswar, July 6: The Odisha Government has warned of a possible minor flood situation in parts of Jajpur and Bhadrak districts as continuous heavy rainfall across the State has caused a sharp rise in the water level of the Baitarani River.

Chief Engineer of the Water Resources Department, Dillip Rout, said Odisha has received rainfall well above the seasonal average, resulting in increased inflows into major rivers. He noted that low-lying areas in Jajpur district are particularly vulnerable if the river continues to rise at the present rate.

According to the department's projections, the Baitarani River at Akhuapada is expected to cross the danger mark by around 4 pm on Monday. Floodwaters may enter low-lying villages in Jajpur and Bhadrak districts, with Akhuapada and adjoining areas likely to be the worst affected.

Rout, however, clarified that there is no immediate threat of a major flood. He also stated that the State's major reservoirs have sufficient storage capacity and remain under close monitoring. No decision has been taken so far to release water from the Hirakud Dam.

The Water Resources Department has directed district administrations to remain on high alert and closely monitor vulnerable riverbank areas. Data released by the department showed that the Lower Mahanadi basin recorded the highest average areal rainfall at 75.1 mm, followed by the Upper Mahanadi at 72.8 mm, while the Baitarani and Lower Brahmani basins also received significant rainfall, contributing to the rising river levels across the region.

Powered by Froala Editor