The flood situation in Odisha has further deteriorated as the Mahanadi and its tributaries continue to swell following incessant rainfall in the upper catchment areas. Fifteen districts have been affected, with vast stretches of villages, roads and agricultural land remaining inundated.
At Hirakud Dam, twenty-two gates are now releasing floodwaters, while the reservoir level has reached 625.15 feet. With heavy inflows continuing, more gates may be opened, raising concerns of a severe flood in the Mahanadi basin.
Water levels are increasing at Mundali in Cuttack district and in distributaries including the Chitrotpala, Luna, Karandia, Paika and Devi rivers, posing a threat to Cuttack, Jagatsinghpur, Kendrapara and Puri districts.
Our correspondent reports that authorities have stepped up rescue and relief operations amid warnings of further flooding in downstream districts.
Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi will conduct an aerial survey of Balasore, Bhadrak, Jajpur and Keonjhar districts tomorrow to assess the damage, while all schools in Bhadrak will remain closed as a precautionary measure.