Sambalpur: Authorities of Hirakud Dam in Odisha’s Sambalpur district opened four more gates on Thursday for the release of floodwater.
With this, the total number of sluice gates opened to discharge excess water from the reservoir on the Mahanadi River has gone up to 16.
The authorities decided to open more gates of the dam following a steady rise in its water level after heavy rainfall in the upper catchment areas.
The water level of the reservoir has touched 614.23 feet. At present, around 3,14,238 cusecs of water is flowing into the reservoir, while approximately 3,50,000 cusecs is being released downstream.
The dam authorities are closely monitoring the situation amid continuing inflow. Depending on the water level and the prevailing conditions, a decision may be taken on opening or closing additional gates in the coming hours.
Meanwhile, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) issued a yellow warning for heavy rainfall, lightning and gusty winds across several districts of the state till July 30. Odisha is set for a weeklong spell of rain and thunderstorms.
