Sambalpur: The Hirakud Dam in Odisha’s Sambalpur district is witnessing a steady rise in its reservoir level following continuous heavy rainfall in the upper catchment areas. In response to the increasing inflow, dam authorities on Thursday opened four additional sluice gates, taking the total number of open gates to 16 to regulate the discharge of excess floodwater.
The reservoir’s water level has now reached 614.23 feet, while the situation continues to be closely monitored by officials as rainfall persists across the Mahanadi basin.
Water Inflow Exceeds 3.14 Lakh Cusecs
According to dam authorities, nearly 3,14,238 cusecs of water is flowing into the Hirakud reservoir every second. To maintain safe storage levels, approximately 3,50,000 cusecs of water is currently being released downstream through the open gates.
Officials stated that the inflow and outflow are being monitored round the clock, and further decisions regarding the opening or closing of additional gates will depend on rainfall intensity and the reservoir’s water level in the coming hours.
Authorities Keep Close Watch
The Odisha Water Resources Department continues to assess the evolving flood situation as persistent rainfall in the upper catchment areas influences the reservoir’s inflow.
Officials have assured that all necessary precautionary measures are in place to ensure the safe management of floodwater while minimising the risk to downstream regions.
IMD Issues Yellow Warning Across Odisha
Meanwhile, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecast a prolonged spell of rain and thunderstorms across Odisha over the next several days.
The Regional Meteorological Centre, Bhubaneswar, has issued a Yellow Warning for heavy rainfall, thunderstorms, lightning and gusty winds across multiple districts till July 30.
According to the weather department, North Odisha is likely to receive widespread rainfall over the next 24 hours, while southern districts are expected to witness scattered showers and thunderstorms.
Heavy rainfall is likely at isolated places in Balasore and Mayurbhanj, with similar conditions expected in Keonjhar during the forecast period.
Fishermen Advised To Stay Off Sea
The IMD has also advised fishermen not to venture into the sea along and off the North Odisha coast due to adverse weather conditions.
Squally winds with speeds of 35 to 45 kmph, gusting up to 55 kmph, are likely to prevail, resulting in rough to very rough sea conditions over the coming days.
Cyclonic Circulation Weakens
In its latest mid-day weather bulletin, the IMD said the upper air cyclonic circulation over the northwest Bay of Bengal and adjoining north Odisha coast, which had been influencing weather conditions in the region, has become less marked.
However, moisture-laden winds and prevailing monsoon conditions are expected to continue triggering rainfall across several parts of Odisha, keeping authorities on alert for possible waterlogging, localised flooding and rising river levels.
