Revenue Minister Urges Calm, Says No Major Threat
Bhubaneswar: Revenue Minister Suresh Pujari has assured that the flood situation in Odisha remains under control despite heavy rainfall across several districts.
The state recorded an average of 47.2 mm rainfall in the past 24 hours, with eight blocks reporting over 200 mm.
At Hirakud dam, only two gates have been opened, while the Mundali barrage recorded a discharge of 6.37 lakh cusecs by 11 am, expected to rise to 7 lakh cusecs by evening.
Authorities confirmed that the Mahanadi basin poses no flood threat, though rivers Baitarani, Jalaka, and Salandi are being closely monitored.
Flood alerts have been issued for Chandbali, Dhamnagar, and Jajpur (Baitarani), as well as Basta and Baleshwar Sadar (Jalaka).
At Anandpur, the Baitarani river crossed the danger mark at 38 metres, surpassing the warning level of 37.445 metres.
Relief operations are underway with ODRAF and Fire Service teams deployed in Sundargarh, Baleshwar, and Bhadrak. Cooked food distribution and evacuations are being carried out in vulnerable areas.
The Minister emphasised that coordinated efforts are in place and urged citizens not to panic.
