Sambalpur, Sep 25: The Hirakud Dam has currently opened 16 sluice gates to release excess water, following increased inflow from upstream regions.

Of these, 11 gates are open on the left side and 5 on the right. As of now, the water level at the reservoir stands at 629.21 feet.

Currently, the dam is receiving an inflow of approximately 1,46,913 cusecs of water per second, while the total outflow through the 16 gates is around 2,97,97,737 cusecs.

The dam authorities urged residents in downstream areas to remain alert and follow official advisories as water discharge continues.

Also read: Odisha To Get Soaked In Dusshera As Heavy Rain Alert Issued

On the other hand, the India Meteorological Department has issued heavy to very heavy rainfall alert across Odisha as two consecutive low-pressure systems form over the Bay of Bengal.

According to IMD's latest bulletin, a system is already active over the northwestern Bay, while another cyclonic circulation has developed today. The System is expected to evolve into a low-pressure area and intensify further by tomorrow. 

While Koraput, Nabarangpur, and Nuapada districts have been placed under Orange Alert for extremely heavy rainfall in the next 24 hours, all other districts are under Yellow Alert, indicating moderate to heavy showers.