HIRAKUD DAM Flood Alert for PHAILIN Cyclone - 12th October 2013

HIRAKUD ALERT - The Hirakud dam reservoir is again caught in a difficult position.  Apprehending flood situation due to the cyclone, the dam authorities are now releasing water through 13 sluice gates.  

The dam's reservoir that was almost full (630 feet) in beginning of this month has now been emptied by 9 feet during the last 2 days.  The dam's reservoir is now at 621.622 capacity.  We heard that rains at upper catchment has also reduced during these two days.  

However, just now we got reports from members who stay near the reservoir that there is rough wind over the vast reservoir and people apprehend rainfall at the upper end. At the moment  Cyclonic rains have already started showering over the Mahanadi delta.  

Lets hope that there is no rain at the upper end of Hirakud and from Hirakud to Mundali.  The flow at Mundali is 6,42,890 cusecs now.  At 621 level Hirakud dam's safety is already in jeopardy.  Now if its caught between rains from both upstream and downstream, things will just go worse.  Meanwhile flood alerts have been sounded by Sambalpur district administration.  This is quite apt. 

People living near Mahanadi should stay alert and prepared and evacuate if flood situation worsens.