Panic grips Cuttack residents as flood fear looms large in Mahanadi

With the opening of 28 sluice gates of Hirakud dam due to incessant rain in upper catchment areas in Chhattisgarh and downstream in Odisha, Cuttack residents are apprehensive of a possible flood situation.

Heavy downpour for the past few days has resulted in Hirakud reservoir releasing excess water from 28 sluice gates, triggering flood fear among people residing at low-lying areas near Mahanadi and Brahmani rivers. 

It is learnt that the continuous downpour has also led to the swelling of Jalaka, Brahmani, Subarnarekha and Salandi rivers at different places. 

Meanwhile, Cuttack district collector Bhabani Shankar Chayini, said, “The district is ready to combat flood situation if it occurs. The district has 25 permanent shelter houses and 536 temporary shelter houses. The district has kept 25 power motor boats to carry out relief distribution and rescue operations if needed.”

He further said, “Hirakud dam water at least would take 40 hours to reach here. Water resources department officials and Revenue department officials have checked embankments at various places. They are ready with sandbags to repair breaches. Also, we have kept District Control Room open for 24 hours for residents.”

Meanwhile, Engineer-in-chief of Water Resources Bijay Kumar Mishra predicted a minor flood likely in Mahanadi system if rainfall continues in Chhattisgarh.