Bhubaneswar: The Hirakud Dam has reached its highest water level of 630 feet, with 1 lakh 25 thousand 226 cusecs of water being discharged while an equal amount of water is flowing in.
According to reports, the heavy rainfall in the catchment area has led to a significant influx of water into the dam. Currently, four gates have been opened to release the excess water, with 3 gates on the left side and 1 gate on the right side. The dam authorities have warned that more gates may need to be opened if the rainfall continues. The situation is being closely monitored to ensure the safety of the dam and the surrounding areas.
Meanwhile, the weather forecast indicates that a low-pressure system is likely to form over the North Bay of Bengal in the next 24 hours, which could lead to heavy rainfall in several districts of Odisha, including Keonjhar, Mayurbhanj, and the northern coastal regions. An orange warning has been issued for these districts, while a yellow warning has been issued for other districts, including Sundargarh, Kandhamal, Ganjam, Gajapati, Rayagada, Koraput, Malkangiri, Bhadrak, and Balasore.
The situation is expected to worsen in the coming days, with two more low-pressure systems likely to form over the Bay of Bengal on September 25. This system is expected to move northwest and intensify into a cyclonic storm, which could affect the southern parts of Odisha and northern Andhra Pradesh.
Another cyclonic circulation is likely to emerge near the Myanmar coast on September 30 and consolidate into a low-pressure system by October 1.
The authorities are taking all necessary precautions to mitigate the impact of the heavy rainfall and potential flooding. Residents in the affected areas are advised to stay alert and follow the instructions of the local authorities.
