Odisha authorities evacuate residents as rivers rise and Hirakud dam releases water

Intense rains have caused rivers in several Odisha districts—including Balasore, Bhadrak, Jajpur, Kalahandi, Koraput, Nabarangpur, Malkangiri, Keonjhar and Jagatsinghpur—to overflow, prompting the state government to start evacuating residents from vulnerable low-lying areas. In Balasore alone, 91 villages experienced flooding, affecting thousands of inhabitants and leading to the relocation of over three thousand people.

The Water Resources Department reported that all 16 sluice gates of the Hirakud Dam were opened to discharge excess water, as the reservoir level rose to 629.56 feet, surpassing its full-reservoir level of 530 feet. Officials also noted rising water levels in several rivers, with some approaching or exceeding danger thresholds. Residents on floodplains have been urged to remain alert as the situation develops.