Odisha flood situation under control as rescue, evacuation intensified
Odisha govt says flood situation under control despite heavy rain, with rescue, evacuation and food aid ongoing in Sundargarh, Bhadrak and other areas.
Odisha Revenue & Disaster Management Minister Suresh Pujari said on Tuesday that the flood situation in the state remains under control despite widespread heavy rainfall over the past several days. He told reporters that the administration is closely monitoring evolving weather conditions and has taken all necessary precautionary measures to tackle any emergency.
According to the minister, Odisha recorded an average rainfall of 47.2 mm in the last 24 hours, which is above the seasonal normal. Eight blocks received more than 200 mm of rainfall, with Nilagiri recording the highest precipitation at 239 mm. Over the past eight days, the state has witnessed 84 percent excess rainfall.
Which districts are experiencing heavy rain and what actions have been taken?
Heavy showers continue in Sundargarh, Sambalpur, Bargarh and Jharsuguda districts, while several parts of northern and southern Odisha have also experienced intense rainfall. ODRAF and Fire Services teams have been deployed in Sundargarh, Balasore and Bhadrak, while the NDRF remains on alert. Evacuation has already begun in vulnerable areas of Sundargarh and Bhadrak, where some families remain stranded due to floodwaters.
The government has also started distributing cooked food to affected residents as rainfall is expected to continue until Wednesday, with isolated places likely to receive heavy to very heavy showers.
What is the status of major rivers and dam operations?
Only two gates of the Hirakud Dam are currently open, and around seven lakh cusecs of water are expected to pass through Naraj without posing any major threat. Among the state’s major rivers, only Jalaka has crossed the danger mark, while the Mahanadi, Baitarani and Salandi rivers are flowing below the critical level despite rising water levels. Waterlogging has been reported in several low-lying urban areas.
What is the forecast for rainfall and next steps?
Quoting the minister, he said: “Water levels of rivers like Brahmani, Mahanadi, Baitarani, Jalaka, and Budhabalanga have certainly increased. In that context, the water level has crossed the danger mark only at Jalaka. As for the rest of the rivers, although they are either touching or crossing the warning levels, they have not reached the danger level. The likelihood of reaching the danger level is also low, as rainfall has decreased in many places across the State. Rain may occur until this evening and late tonight.”
He added: “ODRAF and NDRF teams have been deployed in Sundargarh, Balasore, Bhadrak, and other areas where rainwater has already entered. Fire services have also maintained their presence in all vulnerable (low-lying) areas. Along with essential food items and teams of doctors, the district administrations are on their toes.”
The minister concluded: “We are evacuating people wherever necessary, and arrangements for cooked food have been made by the district administrations for those being evacuated.”
What did the Odisha minister say about the flood situation?
Revenue & Disaster Management Minister Suresh Pujari said the flood situation remains under control despite heavy rainfall and that the administration is monitoring weather and taking precautionary measures.
How much rainfall did Odisha record in the last 24 hours?
Odisha recorded an average rainfall of 47.2 mm in the last 24 hours, above the seasonal normal.
Which areas have received the highest rainfall?
Eight blocks received more than 200 mm of rainfall, with Nilagiri recording the highest at 239 mm.
What is the status of the Hirakud Dam gates and water flow?
Only two gates of the Hirakud Dam are open, and around seven lakh cusecs of water are expected to pass through Naraj without posing a major threat.
Which river has crossed the danger mark?
Only the Jalaka river has crossed the danger mark; the Mahanadi, Baitarani and Salandi rivers remain below critical levels.
Where have ODRAF, NDRF and fire services been deployed?
ODRAF and Fire Services teams are in Sundargarh, Balasore and Bhadrak; NDRF remains on alert, with fire services present in all vulnerable low-lying areas.
What relief measures are being provided to affected people?
The government is distributing cooked food and has begun evacuation in vulnerable areas of Sundargarh and Bhadrak for families stranded by floodwaters.
What is the rainfall forecast for the coming days?
Rainfall is expected to continue until Wednesday, with isolated places likely to receive heavy to very heavy showers.
What did the minister say about the likelihood of rivers reaching danger levels?
He said the likelihood is low because rainfall has decreased in many parts of the state and rain may occur only until evening and late tonight.
What did the minister state about evacuation and food arrangements?
He said people are being evacuated wherever necessary and that district administrations have arranged cooked food for those being evacuated.
Ansuya Minz
Senior District Correspondent, Sundargarh
Ansuya Minz has covered Sundargarh district for six years, reporting on the steel belt's industry, tribal welfare policy, and the Rourkela sports ecosystem. She is based in Rourkela.
View all articles by Ansuya →
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