Bhubaneswar: With the upper catchment area of Mahanadi river receiving heavy rainfall, a medium to large flood is expected in one of the major rivers of Odisha.
Chief Engineer Of Water Resources Department Jyotirmaya Rath shared the update as he briefed the mediapersons.
The upper catchment of Mahanadi received over 200 mm of rainfall yesterday and over 8 lakh cusecs of water is expected to enter the Hirakud Dam. As of today noon, 28 sluice gates were opened and soon up to 36 gates would be opened to handle the huge inflow of rainwater. The water level at the dam stands at 625 feet while releasing 6 lakh cusecs of water.
As low pressure induced rainfall lashed across the State, Mahanadi and its tributaries have swelled up. Along with its tributaries, around 10-10.5 lakh cusecs of water is reaching near Munduli, said Rath. And hence a medium to large flood in expected in the area surrounding the river.
Low lying areas have been put on alert. Senior officials have been sent for inspection, and further action will depend on the reports.
Rath added that flood alert stands Budhabalanga, Brahmani, Baitarani and Subarnarekha rivers
