10 Odisha Districts on Flood Alert as Hirakud Dam Opens 22 Gates; CM Conducts Aerial Survey

Bhubaneswar: Ten districts in Odisha downstream of the Mahanadi River have been placed on high alert after the Hirakud Dam continued releasing water through 22 sluice gates on Saturday, triggering floods in several low-lying areas. Floodwaters from the overflowing Salandi, Brahmani, Baitarani, Jalaka and Budhabalang rivers have also damaged more than 1,300 houses in north Odisha.

According to officials, the floods have affected over 8.34 lakh people across 20 districts, damaging civic infrastructure and large stretches of agricultural land. Bhadrak remains the worst-hit district, followed by Jajpur, Balasore and Mayurbhanj, as authorities continue relief and rescue operations.