Bhubaneswar: The flood situation in the state has worsened due to heavy rain in the upstream areas of the Mahanadi river system. Due to incessant rainfall in the upper catchment, the water level in the Hirakud reservoir has risen sharply. In view of this, authorities have opened four more gates of the dam. With this, flood water is now being discharged through a total of 12 gates.
Officials have alerted people residing in the low-lying areas along the Mahanadi downstream to remain vigilant.
On the other hand, the Baitarani river has started swelling again due to continuous rains. The water level near Akhuapada is continuously increasing and has touched the warning level, creating panic among local residents.
The rising water level has put people in the lower areas of Bhandari Pokhari and Dhamnagar blocks of Bhadrak district on edge. There is a risk of flood water entering villages along the riverbank.
Farmers are worried about their farmlands getting inundated. The district administration is keeping a close watch on the situation and has been instructed to remain alert to deal with any possible flood.
Water Resources Department Officials have checked the safety of river embankments and advised people in low-lying areas to stay vigilant and move to safer places if required. Relief and rescue teams have been kept on standby.
