Odisha Floods: 1.76 Lakh Evacuated in North; Mahanadi Basin Braces for Deluge
Incessant monsoon rains have inundated hundreds of villages across Balasore, Bhadrak, Jajpur, and Mayurbhanj districts.
Odisha remained on high alert on Thursday as flood conditions worsened across four northern districts. Authorities prepared for a medium flood in the Mahanadi river basin following heavy upstream rainfall and rising discharge levels from key tributaries.
Water Resources Department officials warned that the coming 36 hours represent a critical window for downstream communities. Discharge at the Mundali barrage near Cuttack is expected to reach up to nine lakh cusecs, marking the highest seasonal flow recorded this year.
High alert advisories were issued for low-lying areas in Khordha, Puri, Kendrapara, and Jagatsinghpur districts. Experienced disaster response teams were deployed along vulnerable river embankments to prevent breaches, protect lives, and manage local emergency operations.
Incessant monsoon rains have inundated hundreds of villages across Balasore, Bhadrak, Jajpur, and Mayurbhanj districts. Over six lakh residents are currently affected statewide, prompting administration officials to evacuate 1.76 lakh people and set up 476 relief centers providing basic provisions.
Revenue and Disaster Management Minister Suresh Pujari conducted aerial surveys of affected northern districts to evaluate structural damage to homes, roads, and standing crops. Government employee leaves remain canceled across vulnerable areas as relief teams prioritize embankment safety and immediate humanitarian relief.