Bhubaneswar: Fresh spell of heavy rain triggered by a depression in several parts of Odisha on Thursday appeared to have raised the likelihood of another flood in the state.
Officials said heavy to very heavy rain battered the state, particularly northern Odisha, in the last 24 hours as the low- pressure system intensified into a depression.
According to official the data, Bhogorai in Baleshwar district recorded the highest rainfall of 236.0 mm by 8.30 am on Thursday. Four places received extremely heavy rainfall, while 15 stations recorded very heavy rainfall, and 16 stations reported heavy rainfall during the period.
The districts of Baleshwar and Mayurbhanj were the worst affected.
Engineer-in-Chief in the Water Resources department, Dilip Rout said Shamakhunta in Mayurbhanj district recorded 230.0 mm of rain, followed by Baripada with 215.2 mm. Other stations in the district that received heavy showers include Bangiriposhi at 170.8 mm, Betanati at 167.0 mm, Morada at 132.0 mm, and Chandanpur at 130.2 mm.
Ruling out the possibility of any major flood in the state, Rout said minor flood-like situation may crop up because of some swelling rivers such as Salandi and Jalaka.
The water level of Jalaka river has increased steadily and crossed the danger mark at Mathani in Basta block of Baleshwar district due to heavy rainfall. The danger level at Mathani stands at 6.50 meters; however, the water level reached 6.60 meters on Thursday and continuous to rise, said an official.
The upper catchment areas of Jalaka in Mayurbhanj received intense rainfall. Areas like Rasagobindapur, Morada, Siliapada, and Chitrada in Mayurbhanj also experienced heavy downpours.
Stating that the impact of the low-pressure system is expected to be felt in the state till Friday, he said the intensity of rainfall is expected to decrease thereafter and there is no fear of flood in major rivers like Brahmani, Baitarani, and Subarnarekha.
Regarding the situation in Mahanadi River, the EIC said authorities at Hirakud Dam have closed four sluice gates following a decline in inflow to the reservoir. Only two gates — one on each side — remain open at present.
Officials said the reservoir level stood at 614.62 ft, showing a rising trend. The average inflow dropped to 1,33,956 cusecs, while the outflow remained steady at 1,25,934 cusecs.
Downstream discharge showed a falling trend at major gauge sites: Khairmal (2,14,500 cusecs), Barmul (2,19,250 cusecs), and Mundali (3,83,808 cusecs). Light rainfall was recorded at Burla (1.0 mm) and Hirakud (0.9 mm), with cloudy skies over the catchment area.