Bhubaneswar: The flood situation in parts of Odisha has once again come under scrutiny as the Mahanadi river witnessed a rise in water levels following rainfall in neighbouring Chhattisgarh. Around 6.70 lakh cusecs of water reached Mundali in Cuttack on Tuesday, raising concerns over a possible rise in downstream water levels.
The renewed rise in the Mahanadi comes as several areas of the state are still recovering from earlier flooding. At the same time, the Baitarani river has started flooding again, adding to the difficulties faced by people living in vulnerable areas.
Chandbali Witnesses Third Flood
The situation has become particularly challenging in Chandbali block of Bhadrak district, where residents are facing what has been reported as the third flood of the season.
Flood conditions have been reported in Aradi, Sundarpur, Nandapur and Olag gram panchayats. The repeated inundation has disrupted normal life and increased concerns among residents who have already faced the impact of previous floods.
With water levels rising again, people in the affected areas are facing difficulties with transportation and access to essential services.
Floodwater Submerges Road In Chandbali
Connectivity has been severely affected in several parts of Chandbali. Around two feet of floodwater was flowing over the Aradi-Kuakhia road at Bodak, making the route unsafe for regular vehicular movement.
The repeated flooding has also damaged the road surface. Large potholes, reportedly reaching depths of up to five feet, have developed at several locations. As a result, vehicular movement on the affected stretch has come to a standstill.
The disruption has also affected connectivity towards Baba Akhandalamani and parts of Jajpur, adding to the difficulties of residents and commuters.
Recurring Floods Add To Residents’ Problems
The repeated flooding has intensified concerns among people living in low-lying areas of Chandbali. With roads remaining submerged and damaged, residents are finding it difficult to travel between villages and reach markets, healthcare facilities and other essential services.
The latest flooding has also raised concerns over further deterioration of roads that were already damaged during previous spells of inundation.
Mahanadi Under Close Watch
The increase in the Mahanadi’s water level has been attributed to rainfall in its upper catchment areas, particularly in Chhattisgarh.
The arrival of around 6.70 lakh cusecs of water at Mundali has prompted authorities to closely monitor the river system and assess the possibility of a minor flood.
However, officials have indicated that the situation is currently not alarming across all major rivers. According to the Chief Engineer, there is no flood situation in the Salandi, Subarnarekha and Brahmani rivers at present.
Authorities Monitor River Levels
With rainfall continuing in parts of the upper catchment areas, authorities are keeping a close watch on the Mahanadi and other rivers across Odisha.
The immediate concern remains the impact of rising water levels on low-lying and previously flood-affected regions. In Chandbali, where residents are already dealing with repeated flooding and damaged roads, any further rise in river levels could make the situation more difficult.
Authorities are continuing to monitor the inflow at Mundali and other key points to assess the possible impact downstream and take necessary measures if the flood situation worsens.
