Bhubaneswar: Rising water levels in multiple rivers after incessant rainfall have triggered flood concerns across parts of Odisha, with the Jalaka already above its danger mark and the Rushikulya nearing the threshold in Ganjam district Friday.
At Mathani in Basta block, the Jalaka was reportedly flowing at 6.76 metres this morning above its danger mark of 6.50 metres. The river has been swelling following heavy rain in upstream Mayurbhanj and continued rainfall in Basta, raising concern among people living along its banks.
In Ganjam, the Rushikulya has also been rising steadily after three days of heavy rain. At Purushottampur, the river reportedly stood at 16.510 metres Friday morning against its danger mark of 16.835 metres. Reports stated that rising water levels in its tributaries have added to the swell, increasing concerns about inundation in low-lying areas and riverside villages.
Meanwhile, five gates of the Indravati Dam have been opened following a rise in the reservoir’s water level. The release has heightened concerns in downstream areas as several rivers in southern Odisha continue to swell, sources said.
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However, Water Resources Department Engineer-in-Chief (EIC) Dillip Kumar Rout said there was no possibility of a major flood in the Subarnarekha River. According to the department, water levels in the Subarnarekha and Budhabalanga rivers are expected to rise to around their respective danger marks.
The swelling of multiple rivers comes amid continued rainfall in several parts of the state, prompting authorities to closely monitor water levels and downstream conditions.