Archive · 28 Sep 2026
Mahanadi Flood Threat Grows as State Evacuates Thousands
Heavy rain has caused rivers in Odisha to rise and overflow.
Flooding has affected 13 districts.
More than 70,000 people have been moved to safer places.
They are staying in 395 relief camps.
The Hirakud Dam is releasing extra water because its reservoir is nearly full.
Officials expect a large amount of water to travel down the Mahanadi River.
This could cause more flooding in several districts.
Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi flew over some flooded areas to see the damage.
One tourist site in Similipal National Park was temporarily closed because streams became swollen.
Heavy rain has caused flooding across 13 districts, prompting authorities to move residents to safety.
The Hirakud Dam is releasing water through 24 sluice gates as its reservoir nears capacity.
Officials forecast 700,000 cusecs reaching Mundali, potentially rising to 800,000 cusecs by Monday morning.
Flooding may affect Kataka, Puri, Khordha, Jagatsinghpur and parts of Kendrapada districts.
More than 70,000 people have been moved to 395 relief camps, while Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi surveyed affected areas.
- Who
- Odisha state authorities, Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi, and residents of flood-affected districts.
- What
- Heavy rain and rising rivers have caused flooding, evacuations, and warnings of further Mahanadi flooding.
- When
- The situation was reported on Sunday, with higher flows forecast by Monday morning.
- Where
- Flooding has affected 13 districts, including Ganjam, Koraput, Baleshwar, Jajpur and Bhadrak; further flooding is possible near Mundali and in Kataka, Puri, Khordha, Jagatsinghpur and Kendrapada.
- Why
- A deep depression over the Bay of Bengal produced heavy rainfall and increased river and reservoir levels.
- Affected districts
- Heavy rainfall and flooding have affected 13 districts.
- Evacuations
- More than 70,000 people were moved from low-lying areas.
- Relief camps
- Evacuated residents were housed in 395 relief camps.
- Hirakud Dam gates
- Water is being discharged through 24 sluice gates.
- Reservoir level
- The Hirakud reservoir stood at 628.29 feet against a full level of 630 feet.
- Forecast flow
- About 700,000 cusecs was expected to reach Mundali Sunday night, potentially increasing to 800,000 cusecs Monday morning.
- Baleshwar river level
- The Subarnarekha River measured 11.68 metres at Jaleswar’s Rajghat, above its 10.36-metre danger level.