Flood situation in Odisha to remain grim for 24 hours more: EIC

The flood situation in Odisha will persist for next 24 hours, warned Bijay Mishra, Engineer-in-Chief, Odisha Water Resources Department, on Wednesday.

“Water flow has witnessed a falling trend. The current flow near Mundali was 11.77 lakh cusecs and 9.84 lakh cusecs near Khairamal by 9 am today. It is expected that 10 lakh cusecs water will flow through Mundali tomorrow,” said Mishra.

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“However, no decision has been taken on further opening or closing of Hirakud gates yet. The flood situation is unlikely to change in the next 24 hours,” said Mishra.

At present, excess water from the dam is being released through 40 gates. The current water level at Hirakud dam was 626.47 feet. The dam’s storage capacity is 630 cubic feet. While the inflow of water is 6.24 lakh cusecs, the outflow is 6.81 lakh cusecs.

“The decision regarding opening or closing of more gates of Hirakud dam will be taken as per the flood situation,” said EIC.

“Mananadi, Luna, Makara, Kani and Rajua rivers have so far breached the embankments in different places flooding several villages. The administration has repaired 50 holes in different embankments so far. The repairing work of the breaches will start after receding of water flow,” he added.