Heavy rains flood Sambalpur city, houses and vehicles submerged; Hirakud dam opens 4 more gates

Continuous torrential rainfall since Tuesday night paralysed normal life in Sambalpur, with several low-lying areas submerged and water entering people’s homes. The rain situation worsened further on Wednesday morning, prompting the Hirakud dam authorities to open additional gates to discharge excess water amid rising inflows.

Sources reported that in several areas of the city, rainwater entered houses and covered roads, leaving vehicles stranded.

Residents in Padhanpada, Dhanupali, Ainthapali and Danipali were the most affected, with reports of water stagnating up to ankle height inside homes. In some pockets, particularly those lying in lower elevations, locals described the conditions as a form of artificial flood, where stagnant rainwater created pools across residential and commercial areas.

The incessant downpour also impacted infrastructure. On a number of under-construction roads, heavy water flow carved out large craters, further complicating traffic movement. Some vehicles that attempted to cross the waterlogged stretches were left stuck, forcing residents to abandon them on the flooded roads.

Hirakud Dam Releases Excess Water

Authorities at Hirakud dam on Wednesday morning opened four more sluice gates. At present, excess water is being released through 2 gates into the Mahanadi system.

The step was taken as water inflow into the reservoir rose sharply following continuous rainfall across western Odisha. Reports added that authorities are maintaining a close watch over the dam’s inflow-outflow position.

IMD Forecasts More Rain

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has attributed the heavy rain activity to a fresh low-pressure system over the northeast Bay of Bengal. The system is expected to move west-northwest and gradually intensify, leading to widespread rainfall across Odisha until September 28.

For Wednesday, the IMD placed Sambalpur and Sundargarh under an Orange Warning, forecasting heavy to very heavy rainfall with wind speeds reaching 30–40 kmph.