Bhubaneswar,30th Aug 2025: Heavy rainfall has caused a rise in water levels of the Subarnarekha and Baitarani rivers, creating a flood situation. Many villages in Keonjhar, Baleswar, and Bhadrak districts are now waterlogged. Several areas in Rourkela are facing waterlogging due to persistent rain. The Weather Department predicts more heavy rainfall along the Odisha coast and Bay of Bengal within the next 48 hours, particularly on the 29th.
Due to continuous rain, a landslide occurred at Kanjipani Ghat on National Highway 49, disrupting connectivity to many villages. Large boulders and trees have fallen on roads. Hirakud Dam has opened four gates due to expected heavy rainfall on the 29th, affecting Mumbai-Kolkata connectivity.
Floodwaters over the Baitarani river bridge have cut off the road from Gonasika to Kanjipani. Flooding in Baitarani and its tributary at Kachila has isolated 10 panchayats in Bhadrak. Similarly, rising water levels of the Brahmani river have flooded the Anra-Brahmani Nala bridge, disconnecting more than 10 villages including Raigoda, Anra, Binida, and Amuni.
In Keonjhar Banspal block, water levels in the Baitarani, Maida, Brahmani, and Bainga Nalas have caused widespread flooding. Release of water from Jharkhand’s Galudih Barrage through 13 gates has further increased Subarnarekha river flooding. In Baleswar, villages in Aruhabuvi-1 and Kumbhirgadi are fully submerged, while four more panchayats are experiencing water intrusion. Over 8,000 people in more than 15 villages are currently trapped in floodwaters.