Bhubaneswar: Despite assurances from Chief Engineer Chandra Sekhar Padhi that there is no immediate flood threat, Odisha remains on high alert due to heavy rainfall and a low-pressure system over the Bay of Bengal.
As many as 20 gates of the Hirakud dam have been opened, with 5.78 lakh cusecs of water flowing at Mundali.
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a red warning for southern districts, predicting extremely heavy rainfall, thunderstorms, and gusty winds. An orange warning has been issued for the neighbouring districts of South Odisha. The low-pressure system is expected to intensify into a depression within the next 24 hours.
While Padhi stated that the water level is not expected to rise significantly, local rain in the Mundali upper catchment area could lead to a rise in water levels. District collectors have been alerted, and field officials are monitoring the situation closely to ensure public safety. Residents in low-lying areas are advised to remain cautious.
