Stories
Odisha Evacuates Residents as Swelling Rivers Force Hirakud Dam to Open 16 Gates
- •Odisha government initiates evacuation of people from low-lying areas due to heavy rainfall causing rivers to swell across the state.
- •The Hirakud Dam has opened 16 gates to release excess water into the Mahanadi river, with 11 additional gates opened on Saturday.
- •Flash floods have been reported in multiple districts including Balasore, Bhadrak, Jajpur, Kalahandi, Koraput, Nabarangpur, Malkangiri, Keonjhar, and Jagatsinghpur.
- •Rivers like Jalaka, Subarnarekha, and Budhabalanga are flowing above danger levels, with experts forecasting further water level increases.
- •Other rivers such as Kansabansa, Soa, Gangahar, and Kani are also in spate, leading to inundation and damage in various blocks and panchayats.
Key Questions Answered
The Hirakud Dam opened 16 sluice gates to release excess water because of heavy rainfall in the upper catchment area of the Mahanadi river in Chhattisgarh. Its water level reached 629.56 feet, compared to the full reservoir level of 530 feet.
Flash floods hit Balasore, Bhadrak, Jajpur, Kalahandi, Koraput, Nabarangpur, Malkangiri, Keonjhar, and Jagatsinghpur districts. In Balasore alone, 14,660 people across 91 villages were affected, with 3,268 individuals evacuated from inundated low-lying areas.
The Jalaka river flowed above its danger level at Mathani in Basta, while the Subarnarekha and Budhabalanga rivers also crossed their danger thresholds. Additionally, smaller rivers like Kansabansa, Soa, Gangahar, and Jajpur's Kani river are in spate.
