Bhubaneswar, Jul 30:The flood situation in Odisha has affected nearly six lakh people across five districts as continuous rainfall triggered swelling of major rivers, Revenue Minister Suresh Pujari said after reviewing the situation with district collectors.

According to the minister, 5,87,822 people have been affected by the floods, while 1,76,073 people have been shifted to safer locations. Three deaths have been reported so far due to the flood situation. The worst-affected districts include Bhadrak, Balasore and Jajpur, while Mayurbhanj and Keonjhar have also reported flood-related impacts.

The minister said that around 1.65 lakh people are currently staying in relief centres across the affected areas. He added that extensive preparations have been made in Cuttack and Jagatsinghpur districts to deal with possible flooding from the Mahanadi river.

Highlighting the current river situation, Pujari said that the water level at Hirakud reservoir stands at 620 feet, with the capacity to maintain it up to 622 feet. With rainfall reducing in the upper catchment areas of Chhattisgarh, there is no immediate concern regarding further inflow into the reservoir. Two gates of Hirakud dam are currently open.

The minister said around 6.5 lakh cusecs of water was flowing through Mundali, while nearly 9 lakh cusecs of water is expected to reach Naraj by night. He warned that the situation could become challenging if the water flow at Naraj touches 10 lakh cusecs. Accordingly, authorities have been instructed to manage the floodwater flow and maintain the level within safe limits.

Meanwhile, low-lying areas of Badamba and Athagarh in Cuttack district have started witnessing water accumulation. As per the Central Water Commission report, the water level at Mundali is above the warning level but has not crossed the danger mark. Officials said water levels in several rivers have started declining.

Amid the flood situation, the Urban Development Department has been placed on a 24-hour alert. Leave of department officials has been cancelled, and officers have been instructed to remain present at control rooms to monitor the situation.

Urban Development Minister Krushna Chandra Mahapatra said several urban areas witnessed waterlogging as rainfall exceeded the capacity of existing drainage systems. He informed that a strong drainage master plan is being prepared for all Urban Local Bodies (ULBs), with detailed project reports expected soon.

At present, pump sets are being used to drain out water from affected areas. The department has also arranged drinking water, food supplies and lighting facilities wherever required in flood-hit regions.

Officials said the administration continues to closely monitor the situation, with rescue, relief and flood management operations underway across the affected districts.