Bhubaneswar: Flood concerns have intensified across several parts of Odisha as water levels continue to rise in major reservoirs and barrages on Monday.
According to reports, the water level in the Hirakud reservoir is steadily rising. As of 10 am, it stood at 629.39 feet with an inflow of 6,48,539 cusecs and an outflow of 4,96,069 cusecs. Water is currently being released through 28 gates.
In the upstream Sukhasoda area, floodwater has already crossed the embankment and entered nearby villages, submerging hundreds of hectares of agricultural land. Floodwater is also rising once again at Mundali. As of 9 am, 7,60,262 cusecs of water was flowing through the barrage. The upstream water level was recorded at 91.90 feet while the downstream level stood at 89.60 feet. The discharge increased by around 6,000 cusecs per hour between 9 am and 10 am, indicating a further rise in the water flow.
The increasing water discharge has heightened flood fears in low-lying areas.
Meanwhile, the Kataka district administration has expressed concern over possible waterlogging in Banki, Badamba and Athagada in district, Kanas, Nimapada and Gop in Puri district, Erasama and Balikuda in Jagatsinghpur district, and Patkura and Derabish in Kendrapada district.
On the other hand, the Koraput-based Jalaput reservoir has started its first floodwater discharge of the season. Two gates have been opened, releasing 6,000 cusecs of water. The full reservoir level is 2,750 feet while the current water level stands at 2,747.05 feet. The district administration has issued alerts to villages along the Andhra Pradesh-Odisha border. The district administration is closely monitoring the situation and has advised residents in vulnerable areas to remain alert.
