A minor flood is anticipated in the Mahanadi River and its various distributaries due to heavy rainfall in the upper catchment areas, which has significantly increased water inflows into the Hirakud Dam.
Dillip Rout, Engineer-in-Chief of the Water Resources Department, shared this update during a press conference held at Secha Sadan in Bhubaneswar.
Key Highlights & Discharge Projections
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Hirakud Dam Operations: Water is currently being discharged from the reservoir through 26 sluice gates. Additional gates may be opened if upstream inflows continue to surge.
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Mundali Discharge Rates:
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Sunday Night: Around 700,000 cusecs of water is projected to flow through Mundali.
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Monday 10:00 AM: The volume is expected to peak at 800,000 cusecs.
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Flow Cap: Authorities have reassured the public that water release will be strictly capped at a maximum of 800,000 cusecs under any circumstances.
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Severity: This marks the fourth minor flood in the Mahanadi system this year. Officials confirmed that there is no threat of a major flood, though close monitoring will remain in place through Monday.
Affected Rivers and Districts
The rising floodwaters are expected to impact water levels across multiple river systems:
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Rivers: Kathojodi, Kuakhai, Devi, Kushabhadra, Daya, Luna, Karandia, Chitrotpala, Kandala, Bhargavi, Rajua, and Makara.
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Districts Impacted: Low-lying areas across Kataka, Puri, Jagatsinghpur, and Khordha districts, along with parts of Kendrapada.
Highly Vulnerable Localities
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Puri District: Kanas, Brahmagiri, and Gop.
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Jagatsinghpur District: Ersama and Balikuda.
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Kendrapara District: Patkura and Garadpur.
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Cuttack District: Banki, Athagada, and Baramba face a high risk of waterlogging.
Government Preparedness & Response
The state administration has maintained high vigilance across all levels. Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi conducted an aerial survey of the rain- and flood-affected zones to review the ground reality.
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Emergency Teams: Specialised response units including ODRAF (Odisha Disaster Rapid Action Force), NDRF (National Disaster Response Force), and Fire Services teams are on high alert.
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Public Advisory: Residents living in low-lying and vulnerable zones have been strongly advised to stay alert, strictly adhere to administrative instructions, and move to safe locations if directed by local authorities.
The Water Resources Department is continuously tracking water levels and situational developments, and further updates will be provided as necessary.
