12 sluice gates of Hirakud dam opened

12 gates of Hirakud Dam have been opened to discharge the excessive rainwater after heavy rainfall causing the Mahanadi River to swell and more floodwater to enter the dam. 8 gates on the left and 4 gates on the right side have been opened. All total 12 gates have been opened to discharge the floodwater. The current water level in the Hirakud reservoir stands at 621.69 feet. The inflow into the dam is reported to be 2,13,627 cusecs, while the outflow is 2,24,670 cusecs.

Reportedly, the Hirakud Dam authorities had initially opened four more sluice gates to discharge accumulated rainwater bringing the total number of gates releasing floodwater to 12. The gates were opened after heavy rainfall in the upper catchment region caused the Mahanadi River to swell. On Saturday, eight gates were opened in two phases to discharge the water. And in Sunday morning four gates were opened and again in the afternoon four more gates were opened. According to reports, at that time the water level at the Hirakud dam stands at 620 feet with every second, 2,43, 831 cc of water is entering the reservoir.

Fearing dangers and threats to life due to the incessant rains and the rising level of water in Mahanadi, the locals, fishermen and tourists have been asked not to go in the waters.

On the other hand, the Indian Meteorological Centre regional centre has predicted a fresh low pressure on August 25. This is expected in the North western Bay of Bengal and Gangetic West Bengal area. Due to this low pressure, heavy rainfall is likely to lash out in several districts of Odisha. An alert has been issued for these districts.

Under the influence of the upper air cyclonic circulation over Gangetic West Bengal and adjoining Bangladesh a low pressure area has formed over Gangetic West Bengal and neighbourhood at 5.30 PM yesterday, said the Meteorological Department.