Bhubaneswar, September 27: Odisha is yet again facing a flood threat as the Mahanadi river system was expected to see a discharge of up to 8 lakh cusecs of water through Mundali by Monday morning.

Water levels in the Mahanadi river have increased due to rainfall from a low-pressure system and heavy rain in Chhattisgarh.

Water Resources Department Engineer-in-Chief (EIC) Dillip Kumar Rout said around 7 lakh cusecs of water was expected to flow through Mundali by Sunday night and the discharge could rise to 8 lakh cusecs by 9 AM on Monday.

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Low-lying areas in Banki, Badamba, Athagarh, Kanas, Nimapara, Gop, Erasama, Balikuda and Patkura of Khurda, Cuttack, Puri and Jagatsinghpur districts are likely to be affected due to the flood as several rivers in the Mahanadi system, including the Luna, Karandia, Chitrotpala, Kathajodi and Kuakhai, are expected to experience flooding, said Rout.

“The situation could persist for the next 24 to 48 hours. Engineers have been put on alert, with close monitoring of embankments and vulnerable locations. Night patrolling will also be undertaken,” said Rout.

In northern Odisha, water level was receding in Baitarani, Salandi and Subarnarekha rivers. There is no flood situation in Brahmani river, said teh Enginer-in-Chief. 

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“Authorities will maintain a close watch on the Mahanadi basin over the next 24 to 48 hours,” added the EIC.

Meanwhile, Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi on Sunday undertook an aerial survey of flood-affected areas in Ganjam, Koraput and Nabarangpur districts to assess the situation and the extent of damage.