Bhubaneswar: With the improvement in weather, the state government Tuesday dismissed fear of possible floods in at least six districts of the state. Speaking to media here, Special Relief Commissioner (SRC) Bishnupada Sethi said there is no flood situation in the state as the water level of all major rivers including the Mahanadi and the Baitarani is receding.
“In last 24 hours, there has been no report of substantial rainfall in any district that has contributed to the drastic fall in the water level of major rivers including the Mahanadi and the Baitarani,” Sethi said.
Flood water in the Baitarani river, which had marginally crossed the danger level at Akhuapada, has already receded and is flowing below the danger mark. Keeping this in view, the SRC said they don’t foresee a flood in the state as of now. Due to heavy rain and subsequent water logging, Sethi said about 12,000 people had been evacuated across the state and now they have all returned to their homes from respective relief centres.
Asked about the damage due to the heavy rain and urban flooding, the SRC said, “District Collectors have been asked to assess damages including damage to livestock, houses and loss of public properties. After the receipt of final reports, the state government will sanction ex-gratia to the affected.”
Hirakud dam releases first flood water
Sambalpur: The Hirakud dam released the season’s first flood water Tuesday following an increase in the water level of the dam after rain continued to lash upper catchment areas for three days in a row. The dam opened three sluice gates at around 12 pm following a ceremonial Puja at the dam’s site in the presence of senior officials. The flood water released from the dam will reach Mundali barrage in next 36 hours. Sambalpur Collector Samarth Verma said, “At present, flood water is being released through three gates. The dam will open 15 more gates in a phased manner. Five more gates will be opened by Tuesday evening.” While the dam has a storage capacity of 630 feet, its water level stood at 618 feet by 10 a, Tuesday. Sources said 1,40,899 cusecs of water per second is entering the dam while 12,121 cusecs of water per second is being released from the reservoir. Dam authorities said water level may further go up if it rains more as predicted by the met office. Meanwhile, people residing in low-lying areas were panicky fearing possible flood after opening of the dam gates. They have been asked to remain alert to avoid any kind of eventuality.
20 sluice gates at hirakud opened
Sambalpur: The Hirakud dam released the season’s first flood water Tuesday following an increase in the water level of the dam after rain continued to lash upper catchment areas for three days in a row. The dam opened three sluice gates at around 12 pm following a ceremonial Puja. Flood water is being released through 20 sluice gates while filing of this report. The flood water released from the dam will reach Mundali barrage in next 36 hours. While the dam has a storage capacity of 630 feet, its water level stood at 618 feet by 10 am, Tuesday. Dam authorities said water level may further go up if it rains more on the upper reaches of the river as has been predicted by the Met office. Meanwhile, people residing in low-lying areas feared possible flood after opening of the 20 sluice gates of the dam in a phased manner. They have been asked to remain alert to avoid any eventuality.