EXCLUSIVE | Odisha Flash Flood Threat: CWC Forecasts Heavy Reservoir Inflow Surge From Balimela, Kolab To Hirakud As Deep Depression Nears Coast
Odisha on Alert as Deep Depression Nears Coast; Reservoir Inflows Expected to Rise
Bhubaneswar: Odisha authorities have stepped up preparedness as a weather system over the Bay of Bengal is expected to intensify and approach the South Odisha-North Andhra Pradesh coast around September 23. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecast very heavy to extremely heavy rainfall in several parts of Odisha between September 22 and 25.
According to flood-forecast projections reported from the Central Water Commission (CWC), parts of southern Odisha could see a significant rise in reservoir inflows around September 24–25. The projections indicate sharp increases for the Balimela-Sileru and Upper Kolab systems, while the Hirakud-Mahanadi system is expected to experience a more sustained rise in inflow.
Reservoir Inflow Forecast
| Reservoir/River System | Forecast Signal | Expected Peak |
|---|---|---|
| Balimela / Sileru | Sharp inflow increase around September 24–25 | About 1,900 m³/sec |
| Upper Kolab / Kolab | Sharp inflow increase around September 24–25 | About 1,550 m³/sec |
| Hirakud / Mahanadi | Sustained increase in inflow | More than 9,200 m³/sec by September 27 |
These figures are forecast values and actual reservoir inflows will depend on the amount and distribution of rainfall over the respective catchment areas.
Indravati Reservoir Releases Water
The Indravati reservoir has also begun releasing water through one of its gates following heavy rainfall in its upper catchment. Reports indicate that Gate No. 6 was opened by around 0.5 metre. The development comes as authorities monitor rainfall and reservoir levels across southern Odisha.
Reports from the region have also indicated heavy rainfall in areas around Balimela, Malkangiri and Chitrakonda, with water accumulation affecting some road connections. Local conditions may change depending on further rainfall and reservoir operations.
IMD Forecast for September 22–25
The IMD has forecast very heavy rainfall over Odisha on September 22, followed by extremely heavy rainfall on September 23 and 24 and very heavy rainfall on September 25. Heavy rainfall is also expected in parts of the state on September 26 and 27.
The weather system is expected to move towards the South Odisha-North Andhra Pradesh coast. Authorities have advised fishermen to remain cautious and have intensified preparedness in vulnerable districts.
Focus on Malkangiri and Koraput
With heavy rainfall expected over southern Odisha, authorities are monitoring low-lying areas, rivers, reservoirs and road connectivity in districts including Malkangiri and Koraput. Residents in vulnerable locations have been advised to follow instructions issued by the district administration and disaster-management authorities.
The current forecasts indicate a period of heightened rainfall and reservoir-management risk, but they do not mean that all parts of southern Odisha will experience flooding. The actual impact will depend on rainfall intensity, its geographical distribution, river levels and reservoir operations.
Authorities are therefore maintaining close monitoring of the situation as the weather system approaches the Odisha coast and the September 24–25 period emerges as an important window for assessing reservoir inflows in parts of southern Odisha.
