Bhubaneswar: Engineer-in-Chief (EIC) of the Odisha Water Resources Department, Dillip Kumar Rout, on Sunday clarified that the recent flood situation in the state was caused by exceptionally heavy rainfall in a short period.

Addressing the media after reviewing the flood situation, Rout said there is currently no flood threat from the Mahanadi or other major rivers. He explained that the state witnessed an unusual rainfall pattern this monsoon, which led to flooding in several districts.

According to the EIC, Odisha recorded 47 per cent below-normal rainfall in June. As a result, water was retained in reservoirs to prepare for the possibility of a weak monsoon. He said forecasts influenced by El Niño had indicated below-normal rainfall in July as well.

However, contrary to expectations, the state received 38 per cent above-normal rainfall in July. Several areas recorded more than 200 mm of rainfall within a short span, resulting in a sudden rise in water levels and flood conditions across many parts of the state.

Rout said the Mahanadi river system has flood control mechanisms in place, but there is no such flood control infrastructure for the Baitarani river, making areas along its basin more vulnerable during intense rainfall.

Meanwhile, Revenue and Disaster Management Minister Suresh Pujari said the flood situation has improved, although more than 22 districts were affected by the recent deluge.

He said Balasore, Bhadrak and Jajpur were the worst-hit districts, while parts of Puri, Jagatsinghpur, Khurda and Cuttack also experienced flooding.

The minister said teams from the Revenue and Agriculture departments have been deployed to conduct field surveys to assess the extent of damage. Reports of houses damaged in the floods have already been received, and officials have also been instructed to submit reports on losses to vegetable crops.

Pujari added that reports have been sought on damage to Anganwadi centres and school buildings. The Water Resources Department has been directed to undertake restoration work at breached embankments.

He said Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi has advised departmental ministers to visit affected areas and review the ground situation. The minister also noted that the Centre has already released Rs 500 crore to Odisha even before the state sought financial assistance for flood relief.