SAMBALPUR: Even as there was no rain in Sambalpur town on Thursday, release of around seven lakh cusec of flood water from Hirakud dam has led to flood situation in low-lying areas of the Sambalpur and Hirakud towns. Boats have been pressed into service to evacuate people from the low-lying areas to safer places. Collector Mrinalini Darswal is overseeing the rescue operations.Areas like Kulutkani, Charbhati, Binakhandi, Putibandh, Govindtola, HLO Colony, Mining Colony, Gunderpur, Ring Road and the slums in front of the SBI main branch have been submerged. People in large numbers are visiting the Ring Road area to watch the Mahanadi in spate. Cashing in on the crowd are vendors selling food items. In Hirakud, areas near the FCI godown to the upcoming recycling plant of Hindalco at Christianpada have been inundated. Water is flowing over the bridge connecting Sambalpur with Hirakud near Remed on NH-6. Sambalpur ADM Madhab Chandra Bariha said 14 relief centres have been opened and cooked food is being provided to those taking shelter. He said a team has been formed to monitor the situation and the district administration is prepared for any eventuality. 53 Gates of Hirakud Dam OpenedThe Hirakud dam authorities have opened 53 sluice gates releasing 8,83,242 cusecs of flood water against the inflow of 9,65,833 cusecs. The water level of the dam stood at 627.60 feet. With the gap of inflow and outflow working out to 82,591 cusecs, sources said more gates could be opened if the inflow increases over night. Vigil is being maintained on the situation. On the other hand, the rainfall recorded in the upstream in the last 24 hours stands at 62.2 mm while in downstream, it is 30 mm. It is said torrential rainfall upstream in Chhattisgarh has aggravated the flood situation.
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