Now Reading: Odisha floods: 1.65 lakh evacuated, Mahanadi on alert
-
01
Odisha floods: 1.65 lakh evacuated, Mahanadi on alert
Odisha remained on high alert as floods in four northern districts affected over six lakh people. The Jalaka river crossed the danger mark at Mathani in Balasore. More than 1.65 lakh people…
The Story in Brief
Odisha remained on high alert as floods in four northern districts affected over six lakh people. The Jalaka river crossed the danger mark at Mathani in Balasore. More than 1.65 lakh people have been moved to safer places, officials said. Two breaches in the Kani river embankment marooned several villages in Jajpur. The Mahanadi river threatens a medium flood downstream, with water levels rising at Mundali near Cuttack. The Hirakud Dam received heavy inflow; more gates may open.
A new low-pressure area may form over the Bay of Bengal around August 20, bringing more rain. Meanwhile, heavy rainfall flooded a bridge in Keonjhar, cutting off Sapalanji village. Schools and Anganwadi centres in four districts have been closed. The IMD has issued a red warning for Sundargarh and Keonjhar districts.
The Indian Opinion
The usual blame game on flood preparedness has already started, but the real test is how fast relief reaches those marooned. With two breaches in Kani river and a potential new low-pressure system forming, the administration cannot afford routine announcements. The immediate question is whether the Hirakud Dam releases will be managed to avoid adding to the Mahanadi's fury. The number of gates opened in the next 48 hours will tell us if this is a well-run operation or a crisis mismanaged.
Sources (4): odishatv.in, thehansindia.com, odishatv.in (2), odishatv.in (3)
This story was synthesised by AI from the 4 sources linked above.
Updated: this story now draws on 4 sources.
