Bhubaneswar: The water level of the Hirakud Dam in Odisha's Sambalpur continued to rise on Friday morning, reaching 614.47 feet, while 10 sluice gates remained open to discharge water.

According to the data recorded at 6 am, the reservoir was receiving an inflow of 85,108 cusecs of water, while 1,81,500 cusecs were being discharged downstream to manage the water level.

Water released from the reservoir was flowing through major barrages and river channels downstream. At the Jobra Barrage, 85,774 cusecs of water was being discharged into the Mahanadi River.

Similarly, the Naraj Barrage was releasing 65,453 cusecs of water into the Kathajodi River.

The water discharge at Mundali was recorded at 1,46,547 cusecs.

Officials said the water discharge would continue to be regulated based on inflow into the reservoir and prevailing weather conditions to ensure the safety of downstream areas. They also urged people living along the Mahanadi riverbanks to remain alert and avoid venturing into the river during the release of floodwater.