The flood situation in Odisha has turned more serious, with Bhadrak, Balasore and Jajpur emerging as the worst-hit districts, while Mayurbhanj and Keonjhar have also suffered significant damage. According to Revenue and Disaster Management Minister Suresh Pujari, the floods have affected 5,87,822 people across five districts, forcing the evacuation of 1,76,073 residents. The minister also confirmed three flood-related deaths.

After reviewing the flood situation, Pujari said extensive preparations have been made in Cuttack and Jagatsinghpur in anticipation of rising water levels in the Mahanadi. He noted that the absence of heavy rainfall in the Chhattisgarh catchment area has provided some relief. The Hirakud Dam is currently at 620 feet, with two gates open, while water discharge is expected to reach nearly 9 lakh cusecs at Naraj by night. Floodwaters have already entered low-lying areas of Badamba and Athagarh.

In Keonjhar, the earthen coffer dam of the under-construction Kanupur Major Irrigation Project collapsed on Thursday morning, prompting authorities to open six radial gates and two depletion sluice gates of the main dam. Warning sirens were sounded, and residents in downstream areas along the Baitarani River were advised to stay away from riverbanks as flood fears intensified.

The situation has also worsened in Jajpur, where breaches measuring 20 feet and 30 feet developed along the Brahmani River embankment. Floodwaters have affected 84 villages across 28 gram panchayats in three blocks, with more than 3,000 people evacuated. As a precaution, the district administration declared a holiday for all schools, colleges and Anganwadi centres.

In Cuttack district, rising Mahanadi waters have inundated the sanctum of the revered Maa Bhattarika Temple at Badamba with nearly five feet of water. Following traditional rituals, the temple’s movable idol was shifted to a temporary shelter on Ratnagiri Hill. Authorities have urged devotees to avoid unnecessary gatherings.

Flooding has also disrupted connectivity in Banki, where overflowing rivers have submerged roads and bridges, cutting off several panchayats. Villages including Kainmundi and Charigharia remain surrounded by floodwaters, while residents continue shifting livestock and belongings to safer locations as rescue and relief operations remain in full swing.