Bhubaneswar, 25 July (H.S.): The Odisha government has opened four additional sluice gates of the Hirakud Dam in response to a sharp rise in water inflow into the reservoir. With this, a total of 12 sluice gates are now discharging excess water—eight on the left side and four on the right.

As of the previous day, only eight gates were operational five on the left and three on the right highlighting the rapid increase in water levels over the last 24 hours.

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a red warning for Mayurbhanj and Keonjhar districts, forecasting extremely heavy rainfall within the next 24 hours. Several other districts, including Angul, Dhenkanal, Cuttack, Kandhamal, Ganjam, Sambalpur, and Nabarangapur, are also likely to experience heavy to very heavy rainfall.

Over the past day, many regions across Odisha have witnessed intense rainfall accompanied by thunderstorms, leading to waterlogging and disruption of normal life in several areas.

Authorities are closely monitoring the situation and have urged residents in vulnerable regions to remain alert and follow official advisories.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Monalisa Panda