Odisha Issues Flood Alert as Rivers Rise in Mayurbhanj and Balasore

Bhubaneswar: With heavy rainfall lashing parts of Jharkhand and Odisha’s Mayurbhanj district, the Department of Water Resources (DoWR) has issued a flood warning for several rivers in northern Odisha, raising concerns over potential inundation in low-lying areas.

As of 3 PM today, water levels in key rivers are steadily rising. The Subarnarekha River at Rajghat stood at 8.41 meters, still below the danger mark of 10.36 meters. Budhabalanga River at Govindpura was recorded at 6.94 meters against a danger level of 8.13 meters. However, the Jalaka River at Mathani has already crossed its danger level, rising to 6.65 meters, slightly above the threshold of 6.50 meters.

According to DoWR projections, the Subarnarekha is expected to swell to 11.25 meters by midnight, Budhabalanga may reach 8.20 meters by 9 AM tomorrow, and Jalaka could peak at 6.82 meters by 6 PM today.

The State Flood Cell is actively monitoring the evolving situation. The Balasore district administration has been placed on high alert, with instructions to initiate timely evacuation and relief measures in vulnerable areas. Additionally, senior DoWR engineers have been deployed to Balasore to support flood management on the ground.

Authorities have urged residents in low-lying regions and flood-prone zones to remain vigilant and adhere to government advisories for their safety.