In Odisha, thousands of people continue to be marooned following the swelling of river Mahanadi and its distributaries. The relentless rainfall in the upper catchment areas of these rivers have inundated numerous villages in the Banki and Athagarh areas of the state. Many areas of Nayagarh Boudh and Sonepur districts are also heavily waterlogged. The situation remains critical as some more gates of Hirakud Dam in the Sambalpur district are likely to be opened today. The decision has been taken in view of the heavy rainfall in upper catchment areas in Chhattisgarh and the subsequent rise in the water level of the reservoir. The water level of the dam stood at 615.52 feet against a full capacity of 630 feet while water is being discharged through two gates since this morning.