Politics · India Bureau
Odisha opens Hirakud gates as monsoon floods displace thousands
Heavy monsoon rains have swollen rivers across Odisha, prompting authorities to evacuate residents from low-lying areas. The Hirakud Dam has opened 16 sluice gates to manage rising water levels in the Mahanadi river system.
LSN India ·
Flood waters are spreading across nine districts of Odisha following days of intense rainfall, with authorities racing to move vulnerable populations to safety. The state government has initiated evacuation operations in areas prone to inundation, with Balasore district experiencing the most severe impact, affecting over 14,600 people across 91 villages. Relief officials report that approximately 3,268 residents have already been relocated from the affected areas.
The Hirakud Dam, a key water management infrastructure on the Mahanadi, has progressively increased water releases to manage the swollen reservoir. Officials at the state Water Resources Department confirmed that 16 sluice gates are currently open, with additional gates opened during Saturday operations due to heavy precipitation in the upper catchment areas of the Mahanadi basin in neighbouring Chhattisgarh.
Flood alerts remain active across multiple districts including Bhadrak, Jajpur, Kalahandi, Koraput, Nabarangpur, Malkangiri, Keonjhar and Jagatsinghpur. River systems throughout the state continue to flow well above normal levels, inundating agricultural land and residential zones. Water Resources Department officials indicated that further gate openings may be necessary if rainfall persists in the upper catchment region.