# Flood threat grows in southern Odisha as rivers swell 2026-09-25T15:06:28+00:00 | Governance | Indian Opinion Desk Corroboration: 1 independent outlet The flood situation in southern Odisha has worsened after days of heavy rain, with water levels rising in all major rivers. The Water Resources Department opened five gates of the Indravati Dam as a precaution, and officials are monitoring downstream areas. Engineer-in-Chief Dillip Kumar Rout said there is no threat of a major flood in the Subarnarekha, Brahmani or Mahanadi rivers, though the Baitarani River has crossed the danger mark at Akhuapada and is expected to rise further. In Ganjam district, the Rushikulya River is nearing its danger mark of 16.835 metres, with the water level recorded at 16.510 metres on Friday morning. Central Water Commission observer K. Sukanta Reddy said if the river crosses the danger mark, low-lying villages are likely to be inundated. Rainfall totals have been high: Nabarangpur recorded an average of 238 mm, with 395 mm in Tentulikhunti, while Koraput saw an average of 189 mm. ## Indian Opinion Analysis Both reports from odishatv.in adopt a neutral-report stance, presenting official statements from the Water Resources Department and the Central Water Commission alongside descriptions of rising water levels and local concern. Neither source criticises the government's response or frames the situation as a failure. The coverage is straightforward wire-style reporting: facts from authorities are given, and the risk to riverside villages is noted without alarmism. The key figure to watch is the Rushikulya River level at Purushottampur, which at 16.510 metres is only 32.5 cm below the danger mark. ## Coverage - odishatv.in - odishatv.in Tags: Baitarani River, Dillip Kumar Rout, Indravati Dam, Odisha, Water Resources Department Canonical: https://indianopinion.org/five-indravati-dam-gates-opened-as-southern-odisha-flood-fears-rise/ License: Summary and commentary (c) Indian Opinion, reusable with attribution. Facts belong to the linked sources. Cite: https://indianopinion.org/five-indravati-dam-gates-opened-as-southern-odisha-flood-fears-rise/#story-in-brief