Bhubaneswar, 06 July (H.S.): Heavy rainfall in the upper catchment of the Baitarani river has raised the possibility of minor flooding in low-lying areas, with the river expected to cross the danger level after 4 p.m., according to the Water Resources Department.

Chief Engineer of the Water Resources Department, Dilip Kumar Rout, said significant rainfall has also been recorded in the middle catchment of the Baitarani, making the low-lying areas of Jajpur district particularly vulnerable. He said a minor to moderate flood is likely to occur in Jajpur, Akhuapada and Bhadrak over the next 24 hours.

According to Rout, the Baitarani basin has received 73 mm of rainfall. He noted that Odisha had recorded a 47 per cent rainfall deficit during June. However, rainfall activity has intensified in July, with the state receiving 327.3 mm of rainfall so far against the normal average of 271.6 mm for the month.

He further informed that Subarnapur recorded the highest rainfall in the state during the past 24 hours.

Meanwhile, inflows into the Hirakud Dam have increased significantly. The inflow is expected to touch around 2 lakh cusecs by Tuesday. The Chief Engineer said a decision on opening the gates of the Hirakud Dam will be taken on Tuesday after reviewing the prevailing hydrological situation.

The Water Resources Department is closely monitoring river levels and has advised authorities in vulnerable districts to remain alert and take necessary precautionary measures in view of the evolving flood situation.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Monalisa Panda