The state of Odisha is experiencing heavy rainfall under the influence of Cyclone Montha, leading to a Red Warning being issued for seven districts today. The forecast indicates that rainfall is expected to intensify further this evening.
Red Warning Districts
The districts placed under Red Alert due to the anticipated heavy to extremely heavy rainfall are:
Ganjam
Gajapati
Kalahandi
Rayagada
Koraput
Malkangiri
Nabarangpur
Reservoir Gates Opened
The incessant rain has caused a significant rise in the water level of various reservoirs, prompting authorities to open gates in Koraput and Ganjam districts to manage the discharge and prevent potential flooding.
Ganjam District:
Three gates of the Baghalti reservoir have been opened.
One gate of the Bhanjanagar Daha reservoir has been opened.
The reservoir is reported to be 95 percent full, with a target to release 800 cusecs of water by this evening.
Koraput District:
Six gates of the Machhkund reservoir were opened yesterday.
Gates 6 and 7 of the Machhkund D Dam have also been opened.
Four gates of the Jalaput reservoir have been opened.
Adding to the concern, Revenue Minister Suresh Pujari stated that the heavy rainfall reported in neighboring Chhattisgarh is likely to contribute to the further rise in water levels in various reservoirs across Odisha, necessitating continuous monitoring and preparedness. Residents in the low-lying areas of the affected districts have been advised to remain vigilant.