Odisha Floods: Hirakud Water Reaches Cuttack, No Major Threat Seen

The excess water released from the Hirakud Dam reached Mundali near Cuttack on Sunday, leading to a rise in the water level of the Mahanadi River, while authorities maintained that there was no immediate threat of a major flood in Odisha's delta regions. Even so, the state government has kept 10 coastal districts on high alert as a precaution. Officials said continuous monitoring of river levels and vulnerable areas is underway to ensure timely response if conditions change.

According to the Water Resources Department, the discharge at Mundali increased to 5.73 lakh cusecs on Sunday morning from 4.74 lakh cusecs recorded a day earlier. Engineer-in-Chief Dillip Kumar Rout said the peak flood in the Mahanadi had already passed, noting that the highest flow of 8.88 lakh cusecs had crossed Mundali on Thursday night. He added that the river system is capable of carrying the expected peak flow of around 7 lakh cusecs without causing significant fresh inundation, provided there is no additional heavy rainfall.

The state government had issued a high alert for 10 districts in the Mahanadi basin after water was released through 22 sluice gates of the Hirakud Dam on Friday. Authorities have been instructed to closely monitor low-lying areas in districts including Khurda, Cuttack, Puri, Kendrapara and Jagatsinghpur. Officials are also keeping a close watch on weather forecasts and river conditions to prevent any escalation of the flood situation.

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Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi said the floods in northern Odisha have affected more than eight lakh people, with several villages still submerged due to swollen rivers such as the Salanadi, Jalaka, Baitarani, Brahmani and Budhabalang. He noted that water levels in many affected districts are receding rapidly and directed officials to expedite relief, rehabilitation and restoration efforts to support affected communities.

The state government said safe drinking water has been restored in flood-hit areas, while electricity supply has been reconnected to 4.55 lakh of the 5.22 lakh consumers affected by the floods. Medical response teams have also been deployed extensively, with 566 medical assistance teams providing healthcare services and essential medicines. Nearly 50 pregnant women have been shifted to hospitals, and 53 safe deliveries have been conducted. Restoration work has also covered 371 roads and 56 culverts damaged by the floods.

Relief operations are continuing across nine districts for nearly 4.89 lakh livestock and 2.34 lakh poultry affected by the disaster. Meanwhile, authorities remain on alert following the India Meteorological Department's forecast of thunderstorms, lightning and gusty winds in parts of the state. Officials have urged residents in vulnerable areas to remain cautious, follow advisories issued by local administrations and cooperate with emergency teams as restoration and relief work continues.

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