Bhubaneswar: Continuous heavy rainfall across Odisha has triggered flood-like conditions in several parts of the state, with the Mahanadi River emerging as the latest cause for concern after flood havoc in northern Odisha. Authorities have issued alerts to districts along the Mahanadi basin as water levels continue to rise due to incessant rainfall in western Odisha and the river's upper catchment areas.

The situation has intensified as floodwaters from tributaries, including the Tel, Ib and Jira rivers, are flowing into the Mahanadi, leading to a steady increase in the river's discharge.

According to official data, the water level at the Hirakud Dam has reached 617.43 feet. The reservoir is receiving an inflow of 331,063 cusecs of water per second, while 64,109 cusecs are being released downstream every second. At present, floodwater is being discharged through two gates of the Hirakud Dam.

Further downstream, all 10 gates at Mundali barrage have been opened to regulate the increasing flow. More than 8 lakh cusecs of water is currently passing through Mundali every second, and officials expect the discharge to touch 9 lakh cusecs by Thursday evening.

The Water Resources Department has warned that the rising discharge could trigger a moderate flood in the Mahanadi basin. District administrations located along the river have been asked to remain on high alert and prepare for any emergency.

Concerns have also grown as a deep depression is moving across central Chhattisgarh, with forecasts indicating heavy rainfall over the upper catchment of the Mahanadi. The additional inflow is expected to further increase water levels in the coming days.

The flood situation has already affected several parts of the state.

In Cuttack district, floodwaters entered the Bhattarika Temple at Badamba, prompting authorities to shift the deity's idol to the nearby Ratnagiri hill as a precautionary measure.

In Balasore, the swelling Subarnarekha River has submerged hundreds of hectares of agricultural land, raising concerns among residents living along the riverbanks.

Meanwhile, heavy inflows from the Baitarani and Suna rivers have caused a sudden rise in the water level of the under-construction Kanpur Reservoir Project in Keonjhar district. The surge breached a temporary earthen embankment built near the spillway for sluice gate construction. Floodwater is now being released through the project's main gate.

The Kansabansa River has also crossed the danger mark, increasing the risk for low-lying areas. The administration has advised residents in vulnerable locations to remain alert and follow official instructions.

Special Relief Commissioner (SRC) Rajesh Prabhakar Patil has directed the administrations of the affected districts to keep disaster response machinery on standby and ensure preparedness for any eventuality.

District authorities have been instructed to take immediate measures to address flooding on roads, waterlogging in low-lying areas, and provide timely assistance to affected residents as the state braces for further rainfall.