Minor Flood Likely in Mahanadi as 26 Hirakud Gates Remain Open

A minor flood is likely to occur in the Mahanadi river as 26 gates of the Hirakud Dam remain open amid rising water levels following rainfall in the upper catchment areas, particularly in neighbouring Chhattisgarh.

The development was informed by Water Resources Department Engineer-in-Chief Dilip Rout. He said the water level in the Hirakud reservoir has increased under the influence of a low-pressure system and rainfall in the upper catchment of the Mahanadi.

The reservoir’s water level currently stands at around 628.19 feet, while 26 sluice gates are presently open. If required, additional gates may be opened on Monday, officials said.

Mahanadi Water Flow to Rise at Mundali

According to the Water Resources Department, the water flow at Mundali is expected to reach around 7 lakh cusecs by Sunday night and nearly 8 lakh cusecs by 9 am on Monday.

The rising inflow is expected to trigger a minor flood in the Mahanadi. However, the Engineer-in-Chief said there is no immediate threat of a major flood.

This is expected to be the fourth minor flood in the Mahanadi during the current year.

Several Areas Likely to Face Waterlogging

The rising water level in the Mahanadi may lead to waterlogging and flood-like conditions in several areas, including Banki, Baramba, Athagarh, Kanas, Nimapara, Gop, Ersama-Balikuda and Patkura.

The situation may persist for around 24 to 48 hours, with Cuttack, Khurda, Puri and Kendrapara districts expected to be among the areas particularly affected.

The Water Resources Department said its engineers are on alert and night patrolling will be carried out to monitor the situation and respond to any emergency.

Water Levels Declining in Several Rivers

Meanwhile, flood conditions in several other rivers are showing signs of improvement.

The water level of the Subarnarekha is receding, while the Baitarani and Budhabalanga rivers are also witnessing a decline. The Jalaka river remains steady, while waterlogging continues in the Salandi. There is currently no flood situation in the Brahmani, according to the Water Resources Department.

The flood situation in southern Odisha has also improved, officials said.

New Low-Pressure Area Over South Myanmar Coast

Meanwhile, weather conditions remain under watch following the formation of a low-pressure area over the south Myanmar coast under the influence of a cyclonic circulation over central Thailand.

The associated cyclonic circulation extends up to around 9.4 km above mean sea level. The system is likely to move towards the North Andaman Sea and adjoining Irrawaddy region of Myanmar during the next 24 hours.

It is subsequently expected to move north-northwestwards along the Myanmar-Bangladesh coast towards the northeast Bay of Bengal and adjoining Bangladesh region over the following two days.

According to the current weather assessment, some districts of Odisha may experience thunderstorms during the next two days. No weather alert has been issued for the state for the subsequent five days so far.

Authorities are continuing to monitor the river and weather conditions closely, particularly in view of the expected rise in Mahanadi water levels.