Medium flood likely in Mahanadi river system

Bhubaneswar, Aug 14: Odisha is bracing for a medium-level flood situation in the Mahanadi river system following heavy rainfall in the upper catchment areas in Chhattisgarh and an increase in the water level of Hirakud Dam. After taking a review meeting on the flood situation, Special Relief Commissioner (SRC) PK Jena on Sunday said incessant rain in last couple of days has led to a possible flood-like situation in several rivers, especially Mahanadi. While heavy rain under the impact of a low-pressure over the Bay of Bengal have resulted in widespread flooding as most rivers are overflowing, the discharge of floodwater from Hirakud reservoir has added woes to the people living along the river system. The SRC said while the inflow is 6.5 lakh cusec into Hirakud reservoir, about 6 lakh cusec of water is being released through 34 sluice gates. It is expected that the flood flow would be 10.5 lakh cusec at Munduli by tomorrow afternoon. Water resources department engineer-in-chief said as rainfall is continuing in upper and lower catchment areas, more gates of Hirakud Dam will be opened if needed. Bansadhara, Baitarani & Jalaka rivers have already touched danger mark, he said. “We have kept a strict vigil on the situation. We can keep water in Hirakud up to 622 ft till August 21. Restoration works at 18 different places with weak river embankments are underway,” the engineer-in-chief said.