Flood threat in Mahanadi, Orissa on High Alert

Breaking News! Thousands of people have been evacuated, as Orissa is bracing for a severe flood due to the rise in water levels in river Mahanadi. Other rivers such as Kathajodi, Rushikulya, Devi, Banshadhara, Brahmani, Baitarani, Budhabalanga, Hati and many other small and medium sized rivers are also flowing above the danger level. The worst affected districts are Cuttack, Kendrapara, Jagatsinghpur and Puri.

The incessant rain during the past three days and low pressure aggravated the flood situation in Coastal and Western Orissa. According to estimates, around 16 lakh cusecs of water would pass through the Mahanadi river near Cuttack by Friday. If that happens, a large number of areas in Cuttack, Puri, Jagatsinghpur, Kendrapara and Bhadrak are likely to be submerged. The latest flood threat in Mahanadi has reminded people of 1982 floods that played havoc in the state.

According to latest update, 26 gates of Hiurakud Dam were opened on Thursday and Friday to save the dam from any damage. The state government has put all affected districts in Orissa on high alert. IAF helicopters and rescue teams have been kept ready to deal with a possible disaster. Schools and colleges have been closed for three days in these districts. According to government sources, seven people have been killed so far in the flood. At least 3,000 villages have been affected by flood.