Flood risk has increased in Odisha’s Ganjam and Gajapati districts after heavy rain linked to severe cyclonic storm Arnab, prompting officials to monitor rivers, reservoirs and water discharge levels across the region.
The highest rainfall in the 24-hour period ending at 8.30 am was recorded at Mahendragiri in Gajapati district, which received 249.9 mm. Mohana recorded 182.4 mm, while rainfall totals reached 140 mm in Paralakhemundi, 135 mm in Gumma, 128 mm in Goshani, 105.8 mm in Kasinagar, 106.2 mm in Rayagada and 96.8 mm in R Udayagiri, according to the report.
Ganjam district also recorded intense rainfall, with 161.4 mm reported in Ganjam block. Chhatrapur received 154.6 mm, Digapahandi 139.5 mm, Sanakhemundi 114 mm, Berhampur 132.4 mm and Kukudakhandi 127 mm. Gopalpur NAC recorded 107.8 mm, while Rangeilunda received 92 mm during the same period.
The rainfall has increased concern over the region’s river systems because water levels can rise rapidly when heavy precipitation continues in catchment areas. Water resource engineers said the levels of major rivers and reservoirs were likely to increase as runoff moved through the catchments.
Water from the Baghalati reservoir was discharged after the reservoir overflowed. The discharge adds to the need for close monitoring downstream, particularly in areas where rivers, roads and settlements may be affected by rising water levels.
Ganjam collector Keerthi Vasan V. said field engineers and administrative officers were monitoring water storage and discharge levels across major river dams and reservoirs. “There is no need to panic as the district administration is taking all necessary steps to tackle any eventuality,” he said.
The immediate administrative focus is on tracking reservoir storage, regulating discharge and assessing conditions in areas receiving heavy rainfall. The rainfall figures show that the pressure is not confined to one location: multiple parts of Gajapati and Ganjam recorded totals above 100 mm, while Mahendragiri recorded nearly 250 mm.
The storm made landfall in Andhra Pradesh on Wednesday, and its influence brought heavy rain to the two Odisha districts. The administration’s monitoring of river and reservoir levels is expected to continue as officials assess whether further rainfall increases the risk of flash flooding.
Authorities have not reported a specific evacuation or disruption in the information available. The next operational milestone is the continued assessment of water storage, river levels and reservoir discharge by field engineers and district officials.
