No flood threat in Odisha now: Engineer-in-Chief

There is no flood threat in Odisha despite the recent rainfall and release of flood water from the Hirakud dam, informed the Engineer in Chief of the Odisha Water Resources Department. 

After incessant rainfall, Hirakud dam has opened 14 gates to release flood water which has led to a rise in water levels of several rivers of Odisha.

“There is no flood situation in Odisha. However, only the low-lying areas might get affected. Water Resources Department is prepared for such a situation,” said the Engineer in Chief of the Water Resources Department, Bhakta Ranjan Mohanty.

“The water level is gradually decreasing in the Khairmaal area. Mundali received 5.97 Lakh cusecs of flood water and it peaked yesterday. Now the water flow is declining. The low-lying areas of Bhargabi and Daya Rivers could get inundated. Some regions in Kanas of Puri district and Banki in Cuttack might get affected. The authorities in charge are on full alert,” he further added.

On the other hand, even though the water level is rising in the Baitarani River, it is expected to gradually decline as there is no heavy rain forecast. Subarnarekha, Budhabalanga, and Jalaka rivers are flowing below the danger level.

As per reports, due to the rise in Mahanadi water level, the Special Relief Commissioner (SRC) has alerted as many as 10 districts of Odisha including Sambalpur, Sonepur, Nayagarh, Angul, Boudh, Puri, Khordha, Cuttack, Jagatsinghpur and Kendrapara. Authorities have also warned against travelling by roads and bridges affected by flood water.