Sambalpur: Hirakud dam authorities closed the sluice gate after releasing season's first floodwater here today.

The gate was shut at 2.00 pm in view of flood-like situation in downstream of Mahanadi River in Odisha.

The floodwater was released from the Hirakud reservoir through No. 7 sluice gate at 11.24 am after the water lever reached 618 ft against storage capacity of 630 ft.

Following the incessant rain in past 24 hours both in upper and lower catchment areas of Mahanadi River, the flood is expected on its banks and its distributaries.

The water level at Alipingal in River Devi may touch or cross the warning level of 10.85 metre by 1.00 am on August 15, informed Executive Engineer, Central Water Commission, Burla.

Similarly, the water level at Naraj is on rise due to heavy rainfall in upper catchment of Mahanadi.

Currently, the water level at Naraj stands at 25.60 metre by 12.00 pm on Wednesday. It may cross the danger mark by 3.00 am on Aug 15.