Bhubaneswar: A flood situation is developing in the Mahanadi river system, which is likely to affect low-lying areas in Khordha, Kataka, Puri and Jagatsinghpur districts, said Odisha Water Resources Department Engineer-in-Chief Dillip Kumar Rout at a press conference here today.

Rout said around 7 lakh cusecs of water is expected to flow through Mundali by tonight, while the discharge could rise to 8 lakh cusecs by 10 am on Monday. The department is making efforts to ensure that the flow at Mundali does not exceed 8 lakh cusecs under any circumstances, he said.

Several rivers are expected to experience flooding, including the Luna, Karandia, Chitrotpala, Kathajodi and Kuakhai. Flood conditions are also likely in the Devi, Kandala, Kushabhadra, Daya, Bhargavi, Rajua and Makara rivers, the official said.

Low-lying areas of Khordha, Kataka, Puri and Jagatsinghpur districts are likely to be affected, he said, adding that in Kendrapada district, Patkura and Garadpur may also face the impact of rising water levels.

Rout said Kanas, Brahmagiri, Gop, Ersama and Balikuda are among the areas that could be particularly affected. There is also a possibility of inundation in Banki, Athagarh and Badamba areas.