Hirakud to release first flood water on July 23

Sambalpur: Following rise in water level due to incessant rains triggered by low pressure in the upper catchments areas of Mahanadi, the Hirakud dam will release the season’s first flood water on July 23.

Official sources said, the gates of the dam would be opened for discharge of flood waters after ceremonial puja at around 10 am, informed chief engineer Harmohan Pradhan.

The administrations in 12 districts – Sambalpur, Bargarh, Sonepur, Angul, Boudh, Nayagarh, Cuttack, Phulbani, Khurda, Jagatsinghpur and Puri – would be also be asked to stay alert following the release of flood water.

Also Read: Odisha seeks choppers as flash flood situation in Kalyansinghpur remains grim

Development Commissioner R Balakrishnan on Friday informed that various departments including flood hit Kalahandi and Rayagada have been asked to submit a detailed damage assessment report by July 24.

According to reports, over 30,000 people in over 50 villages in Kalyansinghpur block have been affected in the flash floods that occurred on July 16.

Four bridges including a railway bridge and 19 major roads have also been washed away in the floods while restoration work has been undertaken on war footing