Bhubaneswar, Sep 6: A minor flood alert has been issued for the Mahanadi river system following increased rainfall in its upper catchment areas, according to Engineer-in-Chief Chandrasekhar Padhi of the Water Resources Department.

Padhi stated that due to recent rainfall upstream, the Hirakud reservoir currently holds 626.35 feet of water. While 3.85 lakh cusecs of water are entering the reservoir, 4.24 lakh cusecs were being discharged through 24 gates. As water inflow has started to decline, four gates have already been closed.

The department anticipates that by 6 pm on Sunday, around 5.50 lakh cusecs of floodwater will reach Mundali. However, Padhi assured that this will result in only a minor flood, which is expected to recede quickly without escalating into a major threat.

Other rivers, including the Tel and Brahmani, are stable. Rainfall in the Tel basin has been negligible, and only two gates at Rengali are currently releasing water from the Brahmani river. With reduced inflow, one gate at Rengali is set to close soon.

Padhi emphasized that no river in Odisha is currently experiencing a full-scale flood. The situation is under control, with only a water-level warning in place. Within a few hours, the alert is expected to be lifted as water levels continue to fall.

Rainfall across the state has been minimal, with only 10 blocks recording 50 mm of rain and none exceeding 100 mm. The India Meteorological Department forecasts dry conditions for the next seven days, further easing flood concerns.