Bhubaneswar: Odisha is likely to witness a moderate flood in the Mahanadi river system by Friday, with authorities warning of small to medium flooding in the lower reaches of the Mahanadi and Daya rivers as heavy inflows continue from upstream catchments.
Briefing reporters in Bhubaneswar on Wednesday, Water Resources Department Engineer-in-Chief Dillip Kumar Rout said the water level at the Hirakud reservoir currently stands at 616 feet. Heavy rainfall in the Tel river basin and adjoining areas of Balangir, Khairamal and Bargarh is expected to generate an inflow of 7.5 lakh to 9 lakh cusecs at Mundali by Thursday evening.
He said the increased discharge is likely to trigger small to medium floods in the lower reaches of the Mahanadi and Daya rivers on Friday. Floodwater is expected to enter low-lying areas of Nimapada, Kanas, Gop and Astaranga, prompting authorities to remain on alert.
Rout said flood conditions continue in the Baitarani river basin, with floodwater affecting Dasrathpur in Jajpur district and Dhamnagar and Chandbali areas. However, he noted that inflows into the Salandi river have declined and the flood situation in Bhadrak district is expected to improve by Thursday.
The Engineer-in-Chief also informed that a minor breach has occurred near Anandpur and repair work will be taken up after the floodwater recedes. A similar minor breach has been reported in Jajpur, where restoration work will also commence once water levels subside.
The Water Resources Department is closely monitoring the evolving flood situation and river levels across the affected basins.
