Odisha Floods / Hirakud Dam Opens Eight More Gates To Discharge Flood Water

Sambalpur, Jul 31: Authorities at Hirakud Dam in Odisha opened eight more sluice gates on Friday evening, raising the total to 22, to release excess water into the Mahanadi river system following heavy rainfall in the upper catchment area, officials said.

The move comes amid a worsening flood situation across Odisha, where around eight lakh people in 20 districts have been affected.

Rising Reservoir Levels

Earlier in the day, 14 gates — nine on the left and five on the right — were opened to regulate inflows. By 3 PM, the reservoir’s water level stood at 624.95 feet against its full capacity of 630 feet. Average inflow was recorded at 4,42,621 cusecs, while outflow stood at 2,49,307 cusecs. Of this, 2,20,468 cusecs were discharged through the spillway and 25,014 cusecs via the power channel.

Revenue and Disaster Management Minister Suresh Pujari said the released water would take 36 to 40 hours to reach Mundali near Cuttack. He noted that no rainfall in the past 24 hours has provided temporary respite, though several areas in Kataka, Puri, Khordha and Jagatsinghpur remain inundated.

Relief and Rescue Measures

The State has set up 520 relief centres across north and coastal regions, accommodating nearly two lakh people. Around 1.90 lakh residents have been evacuated to safety. Special Relief Commissioner Rajesh Prabhakar Patil confirmed that around eight lakh people across 20 districts have been impacted.

A total of 136 rescue teams from the NDRF, ODRAF and fire services are deployed. Officials reported three flood-related deaths so far. Leaves of government employees in affected districts have been cancelled, and public access to barrages and embankments restricted.

Also Read: Village Cut Off by Floods, Odisha Groom Finds a Way to Keep His Wedding Promise 

Tributaries Swell, Breaches Reported

The swelling of the Mahanadi has led to tributaries including the Luna, Karandia, Chitrotpala, Paika, Salia, Devi, Kandala, Kuakhai, Kushabhadra, Daya and Bhargavi rivers to overflow, worsening the situation. While water levels in the Baitarani, Brahmani, Jalaka and Budhabalanga rivers have receded, fresh breaches of embankments have inundated new areas.

Officials continue to monitor inflows and outflows at Hirakud, balancing flood management with downstream safety as Odisha battles one of its most critical flood situations in recent years.