A flood like situation is developing in the Mahanadi system in Odisha following heavy rainfall in the upper catchments and increased water release from Hirakud Dam. Twenty six sluice gates of Hirakud Dam are open, releasing about five lakh cusecs of water.

The discharge at Mundali near Cuttack has risen to around eight lakh cusecs and is being closely monitored. The Water Resources Department has warned of inundation in low-lying areas of Cuttack, Khordha, Puri, Jagatsinghpur and parts of Kendrapara districts. Meanwhile, the India Meteorological Department has forecast no major rainfall warning for Odisha today, which is expected to provide some relief. Authorities remain on alert in vulnerable areas.