Archive · 31 Jul 2026
Mahanadi River Swells, Odisha Faces Major Flood Threat
The Mahanadi River in Odisha is getting very full because it has rained a lot and water from a nearby state is being released into it.
The river is expected to send a huge amount of water through a place called Mundali in the next day or two, which could flood low‑lying areas.
The Hirakud Dam has opened some gates to let water out, but more may open if the river keeps getting higher.
Some embankments have already broken, flooding farms and villages.
The state chief minister has asked officials to watch the river all the time, fix weak embankments, keep rescue teams ready, and be ready to move people if needed.
Mahanadi River system in Odisha is swelling from heavy rainfall and releases from Chhattisgarh reservoirs, threatening widespread flooding.
Authorities estimate over 9.5 lakh cusecs of water will pass through Mundali in the next 24–48 hours, raising risk for low‑lying coastal districts.
The Hirakud Dam has opened 10–22 sluice gates to release up to 5 lakh cusecs, but more may be opened if inflows rise.
Breaches in embankments at Jodum (Cuttack) and Jajpur have already submerged land and flooded villages, with several distributaries exceeding danger levels.
Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi has ordered continuous monitoring, embankment strengthening, rescue standby, and evacuation readiness.
- Who
- Odisha state authorities and Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi
- What
- Potential flood due to swelling Mahanadi River system
- When
- Next 24–48 hours, following heavy rainfall over the past two days
- Where
- Odisha, especially Cuttack, Jajpur, Balasore and coastal districts
- Why
- Heavy rainfall, cyclonic system, and releases from Chhattisgarh reservoirs
- River
- Mahanadi River
- Estimated floodwater
- 9.5 lakh cusecs
- Dam gates opened
- 10–22 sluice gates
- Affected districts
- Cuttack, Jajpur, Balasore, coastal belt
- Chief Minister
- Mohan Charan Majhi
