Sambalpur, Sept 16: The authorities of the Hirakud reservoir opened four more gates to release excess floodwater due to a rapid rise in the water level in the dam. With this, 26 of the 64 sluice gates of the dam have been opened to discharge flood waters, informed officials.
Officials said that 16 gates have been opened on the left side while another 10 on the right. The authorities have taken the decision following incessant rain in upper catchment areas.
After continuous rainfall, 2,96,665 cusec of water is entering the reservoir, while 3,53,842 cusec of water is being discharged into the Mahanadi.
Dam officials informed in the morning that the water level stood at 627.91 ft against the full reservoir level of 630 ft.
Waterlogging have occurred in several low-lying areas and villages due to heavy rainfall in the state in the last few days.