Cuttack, Sep 6: The floodwater released from Odisha’s Hirakud Dam is expected to reach the Mundali Barrage in Cuttack by Sunday evening, prompting the district administration to activate emergency protocols and issue alerts for low-lying areas.

The Hirakud Dam, located in Sambalpur district, opened 20 sluice gates to release seasonal floodwater into the Mahanadi River. Chief Engineer Chandrasekhar Padhi stated that due to heavy rainfall in the upper catchment areas, Hirakud Dam had to release excess water.

Currently, the water level at Hirakud stands at 626.35 feet, with an inflow of 3.85 lakh cusecs and an outflow of 4.24 lakh cusecs.

5.5 Lakh Cusecs to Flow Through Mundali

At around 6PM on Sunday, approximately 5.5 lakh cusecs of water are expected to pass through Mundali, triggering a minor flood alert. While no river is currently in a full flood state, the department has issued a high water-level warning. Officials anticipate gradual improvement in conditions over the next week due to reduced rainfall forecasts.

Cuttack Collector Dattatreya Bhausaheb Shinde confirmed that control rooms at both Mundali and Naraj barrages have been placed on high alert. A special team has already inspected all river embankments in the district, and no structural weaknesses have been reported.

In Banki area, where floodwaters from the Mahanadi have begun entering residential zones, local residents have been warned. Authorities have arranged water tankers and kept cyclone/flood shelters ready for emergency relocation if needed.

Other Rivers Remain Stable

The water level at Mathani Bridge on the Jalaka river remains just below the danger mark at 6.58 meters, compared to the warning level of 6.50 meters. Hundreds of hectares of farmland remain submerged in floodwaters.

The Budhabalanga river is currently flowing below warning levels despite earlier increases, while the Baitarani river near Akhuapada is also showing signs of decline. The Subarnarekha and Rushikulya rivers are stable, with no immediate threat reported.

With no significant rainfall expected in the next seven days, officials are hopeful for further improvement across the river basins.

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