The overall flood situation in several parts of the State improved significantly on Saturday even though cooked food is being provided to people in some districts.
The water levels of major rivers have been receding, said Deputy Relief Commissioner (DRC) Prabhat Mohapatra. Three camps are also in operation at Puri, Khordha and Cuttack districts where cooked food is being provided to nearly 580 persons. Free kitchens are also functioning in Balangir and Subarnapur districts where cooked food is being provided to 19,121 people and 3,981 people, respectively.
Mohapatra said the State’s average rainfall in the past 24 hours was 4.4 mm. While Kendrapada received 24.9 mm of rainfall, Baleswar and Nayagarh district recorded 14.6 mm and 13 mm. The Hirakud Dam authorities on the day closed five gates of the reservoir keeping in view lack of rainfall in the upper catchment areas of the Mahanadi basin. Earlier excess water was being released through 20 gates while 10 gates were closed on Friday.
“The present water level of the reservoir stands at 620.04 feet,” said Water Resources Secretary PK Jena. The Hirakud Dam Chief Engineer has been asked to take steps for operating the gates to maintain a water level between 619 ft and 620 ft by August 21, Jena said.