Bhubaneswar: The flood situation in north Odisha turned critical on Tuesday as heavy rainfall caused water levels to rise sharply in several major rivers, with authorities warning of flood conditions in the Jalaka, Salandi and Baitarani rivers.
Engineer-in-Chief of the Odisha Water Resources Department Dillip Kumar Rout said North Odisha received intense rainfall over the past 24 hours, with Nilagiri in Baleshwar district recording the highest precipitation. Flood conditions are expected in the Jalaka, Salandi and Baitarani rivers by this evening. A major flood is likely in the Baitarani river, with the water level at Akhuapada expected to touch the danger mark by evening. The flood is likely to affect low-lying areas in Dhamnagar, Dasarathpur and Chandbali, while agricultural lands are also expected to be inundated. Rout said water released from reservoirs is likely to cause waterlogging in Bhadrak, he said.
He added that the Mahanadi witnessed its peak flood level on Monday evening, but the water level has since started receding, with a gradual fall being recorded at Mundali. However, waterlogging remains a possibility in low-lying areas of Puri, Jagatsinghpur and Kendrapada.
Regarding Hirakud Dam, Rout said two gates remain open, and no additional gates are likely to be opened over the next two days. He also noted that South Odisha has received comparatively less rainfall this season, resulting in lower storage levels in reservoirs. While Subarnapur has recorded the highest rainfall in the region, Gajapati has received the least.
Schools closed in Jajpur
In view of continuous heavy rainfall in the district, the Jajpur administration has ordered the closure of all schools, including private institutions, until further notice. According to an order issued by the District Education Officer (DEO), classes in government, government-aided, and private schools, including Odisha Adarsha Vidyalayas, were suspended on July 28, 2026, from 2:00 PM onwards. The decision was taken keeping in mind the persistent downpour, adverse weather conditions, and the safety of school-going children.