Bhubaneswar: The lower catchment areas in Mahanadi delta region are likely to be affected by a low to medium-level flood as around 8 lakh cusec water will pass through Mundali barrage on Friday night.
According to engineer-in-chief, Water Resources department Dhiren Samal, the water flow near Mundali was 6.26 lakh cusec at 10 AM on Friday. It is expected to go up to 7.50 lakh cusec by midnight when the floodwater released from Hirakud dam will reach the barrage.
He further said the excess water passing through Munduli could lead to low to medium-level flood. As the huge flow of water would pass through the riverside areas by night, the low-lying areas will be worst affected, he added.
The water level of Hirakud Dam has reached 628.79 ft by Friday morning against maximum capacity of 630 ft due to heavy rain in the upper catchments areas in Chhattisgarh. The outflow of excess water from the dam was 4.87 lakh cusecs against the inflow of 4.75 lakh cusecs.
“As the water level kept rising in Hirakud reservoir, the authorities opened 28 gates in a phased manner and the decision on closing the gates will be taken as per the situation,” Samal said.
Meanwhile, the floodwater from Mahanadi has entered the premises of Bhattarika Temple in Cuttack district. The temple authorities have sent the devotees back from the entrance of the shrine.
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