Sambalpur: Dam authorities in Odisha’s Sambalpur district have announced that the sluice gates of the Hirakud dam will be opened today to release surplus water from the reservoir due to excessive rains in the upper catchment areas.
Six gates will be opened in total, phase-wise. Siren will be blown from 3 p.m and the water will be released at 5 p.m.
People have been urged by the authorities not to enter the river. The water released from the dam is expected to reach Mundali in Cuttack within 36 hours.
Following significant rainfall across the state due to the depression, water levels in major rivers in Odisha are rising, and the Jalaka river has already crossed the danger level, resulting in flood-like conditions in various regions.
According to the latest information, Jalaka was flowing at 6.22 mark and rising at Mathani in Balasore district at 9 a.m against the danger level of 5.50. Similarly, the Baitarani river was flowing at 17.84 mark and rising at Akhuapada at 9 a.m against a danger level of 17.83.
Mahanadi, Devi, Brahmani, IB, Budhabalanga, Subarnarekha, Vansadhara and Rushikulya are among the other rivers which experienced rising water level.
Inundation and waterlogging have occurred in several low-lying locations due to constant rainfall. Talcher received the highest rainfall of 394 mm during the last 24 hours.
Special Relief Commissioner PK Jena has instructed all Collectors to evacuate people from waterlogged areas.
The officials have been directed to carry out evacuation and make prompt arrangements in case water enters into villages and habitations.
According to the relief code, they have also been asked to provide cooked or dry food and other basic necessities to such people.
Further instructions have been given to the Collectors that in case of any damage to communication/ roads occur, the same be forthwith restored for effecting communication at the earliest.
The Collectors have further been told that if there is any damage to communication or roads, they must be repaired as soon as possible to resume communication at the earliest.
Since Sunday morning, heavy rains have affected over 19.53 lakh people in 11 districts across Odisha.