Bhubaneswar: Flood situation in Odisha’s Ganjam district caused by Cyclone 'Arnab' may improve from this evening, said Dillip Kumar Rout, Engineer-in-Chief (EIC) of the Water Resources Department.

Rout said the department had not anticipated such heavy rainfall in Ganjam. The situation is being closely monitored, particularly along the Rusikulya River, which has crossed the danger level at Purushottampur.

At Purushottampur, the danger mark is 17 metres, while the river was flowing at 19 metres, he said.

The water level in the Vansadhara River has started receding, while officials are keeping a close watch on the Rusikulya, the EIC said.

Meanwhile, the water level in the Bahuda River has touched a railway bridge in the area, prompting the suspension of train services. Train operations will remain suspended until the water level recedes, Rout said.

No immediate plan to open Hirakud Dam gates

Rout said there was currently no plan to open the gates of Hirakud Dam. A decision will be taken after October 30, depending on the situation and water levels.

He also ruled out the possibility of flooding in the Mahanadi River at present, saying there was no cause for concern.