Vikash Sharma

People across Odisha are closely monitoring the flood situation that has cropped up in Mahanadi basin following heavy rainfall in upper and lower catchment areas. Special Relief Commissioner (SRC) PK Jena on Tuesday said, ‘Next 48 hours would be crucial as it will be the time for the peak flood of around 10 to 12 lakh cusecs to pass through and everybody needs to be watchful.”

Jena said the priority of the Water Resources Department officials, Collectors, elected representatives and people to protect the embankments as it is season’s first flood with around 11 lakh cusecs. “If we combat the situation well then there would be no problems in coming phases,” he added.

The SRC informed that embankment patrolling will be intenfised across 10 districts of the state.

As the next 48 hours would be crucial, Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik held discussion with Collectors of 10 districts and directed them to take every possible action to save as much life as possible as part of the state’s policy of ‘every life is precious’, said the SRC.

Jena further said the Collectors have been empowered to take a call on evacuation of people from vulnerable areas and provide them with cooked food for as long it is needed.

SRC briefing highlights:

12.06 lakh cusecs of floodwater passed Khairmal on Monday night

Around 11.50 lakh cusecs likely to pass through Mundali this evening.

Decision on Hirakud dam gates opening after review at 3 pm today.

Hirakud status:

Inflow: 7.88 lakh cusecs

Outflow:4.45 lakh cusecs

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