Mahanadi Rages: Odisha Battles Severe Floods as Hirakud Dam Boosts Discharges

Odisha is currently grappling with a severe flood crisis as the Mahanadi River, swelled by heavy monsoon rains in its upper catchment areas, continues to overflow. Authorities at the Hirakud Dam increased water releases on Friday, July 31, 2026, opening 14 sluice gates and planning to open more to manage the rising reservoir levels. This surge has impacted nearly 800,000 people across 15 to 20 districts, with three deaths reported and close to 270,000 individuals evacuated to safer ground. The situation remains critical downstream, particularly in districts like Puri, Jagatsinghpur, Khordha, and Cuttack, which are now on high alert. The Mahanadi River crossed its danger mark at Naraj on July 30, following intense rainfall driven by a deep depression over the Bay of Bengal earlier this week. Although rainfall has eased in the last 24 hours, the massive discharge from Hirakud, combined with inflows from numerous tributaries, is keeping water levels dangerously high and causing breaches in some embankment. The Odisha government has deployed 136 rescue teams from the National Disaster Response Force and Odisha Disaster Rapid Action Force, setting up over 600 relief centers to provide aid. Revenue and Disaster Management Minister Suresh Pujari assured that relief operations are in full swing, with efforts focusing on providing food and essential supplies to affected communities. As officials continue to monitor river levels, especially at critical points like Mundali Barrage, the coming days will be crucial in determining the flood's full impact and the timeline for recovery, with agricultural lands and houses already suffering significant damage.