Following persistent rainfall across key catchments, the Hirakud Reservoir has reached nearly 97.9% of its total storage capacity, prompting dam authorities to keep five sluice gates open to manage inflows, according to the latest flood bulletin released by the Odisha Water Resources Department on November 2.
The reservoir level currently stands at 629.50 feet against its full reservoir level (FRL) of 630 feet. Over the last 24 hours, the dam recorded an average inflow of approximately 105,574 cusecs against a total outflow of 88,898 cusecs. Current discharge operations stand at 118,078 cusecs, gradually easing storage pressure.
Despite high storage levels in major reservoirs—including Balimela (87.9%), Machhkund/Jalaput (87.9%), Upper Kolab (83.5%), Rengali (81.3%), and Upper Indravati (77.2%)—most major rivers across Odisha continue to flow well below their respective danger marks. At Mundali, the discharge rate of the Mahanadi river was logged at 140,903 cusecs, while water levels in the Brahmani, Baitarani, Budhabalanga, and Subarnarekha rivers remain stable.
While overall flood conditions across the state show signs of stabilization, officials have heightened vigilance in southern Odisha. A fresh rainfall warning has been issued for the Rushikulya, Vansadhara, Nagavali, and Sabari river valleys for the next three days.
According to departmental forecasts:
- Nov 2: Moderate rain expected (11 mm to 25 mm).
- Nov 3: Increased shower activity (26 mm to 37 mm).
- Nov 4: Heavy spell warning (38 mm to 50 mm).
The Vansadhara River at Kasinagar currently stands at 53.90 meters (danger level: 54.60 meters) with a rising trend, whereas at Gunupur, it remains steady at 81.97 meters (danger level: 84.00 meters). In Purushottampur, the Rushikulya River is receding at 14.34 meters against a danger threshold of 16.84 meters.
Speaking on the state’s preparedness, Engineer-in-Chief of the Water Resources Department, Dillip Rout, confirmed that the overall flood situation is well under control. However, given the multi-day rain forecast, district administrations in Ganjam and Gajapati have been instructed to closely inspect vulnerable river embankments, canals, and anicuts.
“Controlled discharge from Hirakud and other key reservoirs is ongoing to create adequate buffer storage and protect downstream regions. Our primary focus remains on monitoring vulnerable river basins in southern Odisha over the coming days,” stated Rout.
