ODISHA FLOODS: 3,268 EVACUATED IN BALASORE AS RIVERS RISE, HIRAKUD OPENS 16 GATES

September 26, 2026 

BHUBANESWAR: Heavy rain has triggered flooding across several parts of Odisha, forcing authorities to evacuate thousands of people from low-lying areas as rivers rose towards or above danger levels. Nine districts, including Balasore, Bhadrak, Jajpur, Kalahandi, Koraput, Nabarangpur, Malkangiri, Keonjhar and Jagatsinghpur, have reported flooding.

Balasore has been among the worst affected. Around 14,660 people in 91 villages have been impacted by overflowing rivers, while 3,268 residents have been shifted to safer locations, officials said. The Jalaka was flowing at 6.78 metres at Mathani, above its 6.5-metre danger mark, while the Subarnarekha at Rajghat was at 10.35 metres, just below its 10.36-metre danger level.

The Budhabalanga had also crossed its danger level, reaching 8.64 metres against the 8.13-metre mark. Authorities have warned residents along floodplains and in low-lying areas to remain alert, with forecasts indicating further rises in some rivers.

The Hirakud reservoir on the Mahanadi has opened 16 sluice gates to release excess water after heavy rainfall in the river's upper catchment increased inflows. The reservoir level stood at 629.56 feet, close to its maximum holding level of 630 feet.

Flooding has also affected other districts. In Jajpur, the Kani river inundated two panchayats, while five panchayats in Koraput's Kotpad block were inundated and more than 100 houses were reported damaged. Authorities continue to monitor river levels and rainfall as further heavy rain remains possible.