Odisha Floods: Mahanadi River Threatens Over 6 Lakh People, Evacuations Underway
Odisha remains on high alert as flooding threatens several northern districts, with the Mahanadi river level rising steadily. Authorities have ordered schools and anganwadi centres in 10 districts to remain closed due to the flood situation.
The flood has affected more than six lakh people, and over 1.65 lakh have been evacuated from the worst-hit areas. The rising water level in the Mahanadi is a major concern, prompting alerts in districts along the river basin after heavy rainfall in the river’s upper catchment areas in Chhattisgarh and Madhya Pradesh.
Officials reported that water from the Tel, Ib, and Jira tributaries is further increasing the Mahanadi’s water level. Water Resources Department Engineer-in-Chief Dillip Kumar Rout said that discharge at Mundali near Cuttack could increase from around eight lakh cusecs on Thursday morning to nearly nine lakh cusecs by evening, potentially leading to a medium flood.
The state government has mobilised rescue teams and relief materials. Evacuation efforts are ongoing, and people in low-lying areas have been moved to safer locations. The situation is being closely monitored, with further updates expected as river levels evolve.
