Bhubaneswar, Sept 4: Under the influence of a low-pressure system, Odisha is witnessing heavy rainfall, leading to a sharp rise in water levels in several major rivers across the state. The Baitarani River has crossed the warning level at Akhuapada, while water levels in the Brahmani and Subarnarekha rivers continue to increase. The Mahanadi River is currently flowing at 625.97 feet.
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecast heavy to very heavy rainfall in parts of western and coastal Odisha on Thursday. Districts such as Sundargarh, Jharsuguda, and Sambalpur are likely to receive intense showers. Thunderstorms accompanied by rain are also expected in Bhadrak, Jajpur, Kendrapara, Cuttack, Jagatsinghpur, Puri, Khordha, Nayagarh, Ganjam, Gajapati, Bargarh, Deogarh, Angul, Dhenkanal, Keonjhar, Mayurbhanj, Sonepur, Boudh, Nuapada, Balangir, Kalahandi, and parts of southern Odisha.
The IMD further predicts thunderstorms with rain across western and coastal Odisha on Friday, while light to moderate showers may occur in coastal regions over the weekend.
Heavy rain lashed most parts of the state on Wednesday, disrupting normal life. Jajpur recorded the highest rainfall at 121 mm, followed by Chandbali (85.6 mm), Keonjhar (36.8 mm), Sambalpur (35.2 mm), Baripada (33.2 mm), Paralakhemundi (28 mm), Rayagada (14.4 mm), and Malkangiri (12.4 mm).
Water Resources Department Chief Engineer Chandrasekhar Padhi informed that while the Baitarani River has breached the warning level, the Subarnarekha is still flowing 4 meters below the danger mark. He confirmed that there is currently no flood situation in any river, despite over 50 mm of rainfall being recorded in 16 blocks.
In response to rising water levels, six sluice gates at Hirakud and one at Rengali have been opened. Waterlogging has been reported in low-lying areas due to persistent rainfall, but officials expect the situation to improve as the rain subsides.
