Sambalpur, Aug 12: The Hirakud dam authorities on Friday opened six more sluice gates to release flood water. With this, the authorities have opened 20 gates to release the excess water.

A total of 20 of the 64 sluice gates of the Hirakud Dam have been opened today to discharge the flood water, informed the Dam officials.

Worth mentioning, inundation and waterlogging have occurred in several low-lying areas due to heavy to heavy rainfall in the State in last three days under the influence of deep depression over the Bay of Bengal.

Meanwhile, several rivers in the State have been flowing above the danger mark.

The water level of Baitarani River was flowing at 18.32 metres against the danger level of 17.83 at Akhuapada in Bhadrak district, while the water level of Jalaka River was flowing at 6.51 metres against the danger level of 5.50 metres at Mathani in Balasore district at 6 am today. The water level of Brahmani River was flowing near Jenapur at 67.80 feet against the danger mark of 67 feet at 6 am today.

Several other rivers including Mahanadi, Devi, IB, Burhabalanga, Subarnarekha and Vansadhara continued to rise following the heavy downpour, sources said.