The state government has sounded a high alert across multiple coastal districts following a massive rise in water levels in the Mahanadi River system, driven by heavy inflows into the Hirakud Dam reservoir.
Addressing a crucial press briefing, Engineer-in-Chief of the Water Resources Department Dillip Rout revealed that 24 gates of the Hirakud Dam have been opened to release excess floodwater. With relentless inflows continuing into the reservoir, authorities have indicated that more gates may be opened if necessary.
Looming Peak at Mundali
According to official projections, the peak flood wave is expected to hit the Mundali barrage in Kataka district shortly.
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Tonight: Approximately 7 lakh cusecs of water will flow through Mundali.
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Tomorrow (By 10:00 AM): The discharge is expected to peak at 8 lakh cusecs.
Authorities have assured that concerted efforts are underway to cap the discharge limit and prevent it from exceeding 8 lakh cusecs, minimising potential devastation downstream.
Impacted Rivers and Vulnerable Regions
The massive surge is making its way through Mahanadi’s major distributaries, bringing high flood risks to surrounding regions.
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River Systems Affected: Luna, Karandia, Chitrotpala, Kathojodi, Kuakhai, Devi, Kandala, Kushabhadra, Daya, Bhargabi, Rajua, and Makara.
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Districts Under Direct Threat: Low-lying areas in Khordha, Kataka, Puri, and Jagatsinghpur are expected to face severe waterlogging and inundation.
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Additional Vulnerable Pockets: Parts of Kendrapada (specifically Patkura and Garadpur), Banki, Athagada, and Baramba face a high risk of being submerged.
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Particularly Vulnerable Blocks: Local administrations are keeping a close watch on Kanas, Brahmagiri, Gop, Erasama, and Balikuda.
District administrations have been put on immediate standby to handle evacuation efforts, deploy rescue teams, and secure vulnerable embankments as the state braces for critical hours ahead.
