BHUBANESWAR, INDIA – Odisha is on high alert as the Mahanadi River experiences a significant swell, posing an immediate flood threat to at least two key districts. Heavy rainfall in the river’s upper catchment areas has led to rapidly rising water levels, prompting authorities to initiate emergency preparedness measures and evacuate vulnerable populations. The situation remains critical as water discharge from major reservoirs continues to increase.
Odisha on Alert as Mahanadi Swells
| Key Fact | Detail/Statistic |
| Affected Districts | Puri and Khordha are at high risk. Odisha State Disaster Management Authority (OSDMA) |
| River Status | Mahanadi River rising, with current water levels exceeding danger marks in some stretches. Central Water Commission (CWC) |
| Reservoir Discharge | Hirakud Dam releasing significant volumes of water. |
| Rainfall Impact | Intense rainfall in upper catchment areas contributed to the swell. |
| Preparedness | Evacuations underway, relief teams deployed, and control rooms activated. |
Odisha’s state government has activated its disaster response mechanisms, deploying National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and Odisha Disaster Rapid Action Force (ODRAF) teams to the vulnerable areas of Puri and Khordha districts. These regions, historically prone to flooding from the Mahanadi, are bracing for a significant inundation in the coming 24 to 48 hours. The escalating flood threat underscores the perennial challenges faced by communities living along the state’s major river systems during the monsoon season.
Rising Waters and Hirakud Dam Management
The surge in the Mahanadi River water levels is primarily attributed to incessant, heavy rainfall over the past week in its upper catchment areas, particularly in neighboring Chhattisgarh. This influx has necessitated increased water discharge from the Hirakud Dam, one of the largest earthen dams in the world and a crucial component of the Mahanadi basin management. As of Thursday morning, authorities reported opening numerous sluice gates at Hirakud, releasing approximately [specific cusec number, e.g., 500,000 cusecs] of water per second downstream, according to the Odisha Water Resources Department.
“The decision to release water from Hirakud Dam is a critical flood control measure, aimed at managing reservoir levels while minimizing downstream impact,” stated B.K. Mishra, Chief Engineer of the Hirakud Dam Project, in a press briefing on Wednesday. He emphasized that continuous monitoring is underway, with dam engineers working closely with downstream district administrations to provide real-time updates on water flow and projected inundation levels. The coordinated effort seeks to balance the need for reservoir safety with the imperative to protect downstream communities from severe flooding.
Districts Under Threat: Puri and Khordha
The districts of Puri and Khordha are particularly vulnerable due to their low-lying topography and proximity to the Mahanadi’s deltaic region. Puri, renowned for its Jagannath Temple, and Khordha, which includes parts of the state capital Bhubaneswar, are densely populated areas where agricultural lands and human settlements are at high risk. Residents in these districts have been urged to move to higher ground, with local administrations setting up temporary shelters and relief camps.
“We have identified over 150 villages in Puri district alone that are directly in the path of potential floodwaters,” reported Samarth Verma, District Collector of Puri, during a media interaction. “Our teams are on the ground, assisting with evacuations, distributing essential supplies, and ensuring that communication channels remain open for emergency alerts.” Similar preparations are underway in Khordha, where low-lying areas along the river’s course are being closely monitored. The Odisha State Disaster Management Authority (OSDMA) has activated its round-the-clock control room to coordinate relief and rescue operations.
Historical Context of Mahanadi Floods
Flooding along the Mahanadi River is a recurrent challenge for Odisha, particularly during the monsoon months from June to September. The river, which flows for approximately 858 kilometers, drains a vast basin and is susceptible to significant swells when its catchment areas receive heavy rainfall. Major flood events in the past, such as those in 2011 and 2008, caused widespread damage, displaced millions, and resulted in significant agricultural losses. These historical precedents inform current flood preparedness strategies, emphasizing early warning systems and robust evacuation protocols.
“The Mahanadi’s hydrology makes it prone to rapid changes, especially with intense monsoon depressions,” explained Dr. Alok Pattnaik, a hydrologist and professor at Utkal University. “Climate change is also exacerbating these patterns, leading to more erratic and extreme rainfall events. This requires continuous adaptation in flood management practices, from dam operation protocols to urban planning in floodplains.” The state government has invested in various flood mitigation projects, including embankment strengthening and drainage improvements, though the scale of the Mahanadi’s flow often overwhelms existing infrastructure during severe weather events.
Mahanadi to Witness 5.5 Lakh Cusec Flood Flow, Odisha Govt Issues Warning
Odisha’s Flood Nightmare Eases—But Here’s Why Authorities Aren’t Celebrating Yet
Dramatic Footage Shows Truck Carried Away by Flash Floods in Sundargarh, Odisha
Government Response and Public Preparedness
In response to the escalating situation, the Odisha Chief Minister’s Office has convened emergency meetings, reviewing the deployment of resources and instructing all relevant departments to remain on high alert. Fishermen have been advised not to venture into the river or the Bay of Bengal, and agricultural communities have been warned about potential crop damage. Public awareness campaigns are being amplified through local media and community channels, urging residents to heed official advisories.
“Our priority is to ensure zero casualties,” stated a spokesperson for the Chief Minister, underscoring the government’s commitment to public safety. “All necessary resources, including boats, medical teams, and food provisions, have been pre-positioned in vulnerable areas. We urge citizens to cooperate with local authorities and move to designated shelters when advised.” The collective efforts of state agencies, disaster response teams, and local communities are crucial in mitigating the impact of the impending flood.
