Bhubaneswar: Balasore district in Odisha is facing a looming flood threat as the Subarnarekha River nears its danger mark. While other districts are not currently facing an imminent flood risk, the administration has been put on high alert to handle any potential emergencies.
The decision to heighten preparedness was made during a review meeting chaired by Odisha’s Minister for Revenue and Disaster Management, Suresh Pujari, on Tuesday. The meeting, attended by senior officials including the Special Relief Commissioner, the Chief Fire Services Officer, and other key personnel, included virtual participation from District Collectors of Balasore, Mayurbhanj, Bhadrak, Keonjhar, Jajpur, and Sundargarh.
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) forecast indicated that a deep depression that formed on Monday has since weakened into a depression and moved west-northwestward. Over the past four days, Balasore and Mayurbhanj districts have experienced substantial rainfall, while Jajpur and Bhadrak also saw significant precipitation on Monday. Currently, there is no notable rainfall in the affected districts.
The water levels in several key rivers are being closely monitored:
- Baitarani River: 18 meters at Akhuapada, against a danger level of 18.33 meters.
- Budhabalanga River: 7.52 meters at NH 5 (Govindpur), with a danger level of 8.13 meters.
- Subarnarekha River: 10.70 meters at Rajghat, just above the danger level of 10.36 meters.
- Jalaka River: 6.76 meters at Mathani, exceeding the danger level of 6.50 meters.
According to the Central Water Commission (CWC) forecast, the water level in the Subarnarekha River could rise to 10.95 meters, potentially leading to flooding in Balasore district, particularly affecting the Basta, Bhogarai, and Baliapal blocks.
District Collectors from Sundargarh and Keonjhar reported no immediate flood-like conditions in their areas but have been instructed to keep their administrative systems on high alert for the next 24 hours. The Collector of Bhadrak noted a receding trend in water levels at Akhuapada and reported no current rainfall activity.
In Balasore, the situation is more critical. The district is experiencing rising water levels in the Subarnarekha, Budhabalanga, and Jalaka rivers. As a precaution, local authorities have shifted 400 residents from the Bhogarai block to safer shelters. Efforts are ongoing to monitor the rivers and manage the flood risk effectively.