Korba, Aug 15: Five gates of the Minimata Hasdeo Bango Reservoir were opened as a precautionary measure after its water level rose to 92.48 per cent amid continuous rainfall in Chhattisgarh’s Korba district, with around 3,005 cusecs of water being released into the Hasdeo River, officials said.
The administration has issued a flood alert for 35 villages along the Hasdeo River and directed officials to make public announcements to warn residents about the rising water level and possible flooding.
SK Bharti, Executive Engineer of Minimata Hasdeo Bango Dam Division No. 3, said the reservoir had reached 92.48 per cent of its capacity by 7:45 pm and the inflow was continuing.
“By 7:45 pm, the reservoir had reached 92.48 percent water level. The inflow into the reservoir continues. As a precautionary measure, gates have been opened to discharge water,” Bharti said.
Residents living along the riverbanks and in low-lying areas have been advised to move to safer locations and avoid going near the Hasdeo River. People have also been urged to move livestock to higher ground and keep children away from rivers, streams and other water bodies.
Revenue, police and disaster-management teams have been placed on high alert to respond to any flood-related emergency.
The administration has also advised mining contractors, industrial units and institutions located in potentially flood-affected areas to immediately shift their movable and immovable assets to safer locations.
The Water Resources Department has cautioned that it would not be responsible for losses caused by flash floods and urged residents and establishments in vulnerable areas to follow the administration’s instructions.
Officials also warned that water could subsequently be released from the Darri Barrage, following the discharge from the Bango Reservoir.
The situation has been closely monitored as continuous rainfall has caused the reservoir’s water level to rise rapidly, with inflow continuing into the dam.
Meanwhile, the Meteorological Department has forecast continued rainfall across Chhattisgarh, with heavy rain likely in northern parts of the state over the next four days.
Heavy rainfall accompanied by thunderstorms and lightning has been forecast at isolated places on August 15 and 16, while isolated heavy rain is possible on August 17 and 18. Further heavy rain and thunderstorms are likely at isolated locations on August 19, with rainfall expected on August 20 and 21 without a specific warning.
Raipur is also likely to witness generally cloudy skies with one or two spells of rain or thundershowers.
Several parts of the state received rainfall during the past 24 hours, with Jagdalpur recording 35.8 mm, Pendra Road 30 mm and Bilaspur 29 mm.
The state’s seasonal rainfall remains broadly within the normal range, though cumulative rainfall is around eight per cent below normal, according to the weather department.
With the Bango reservoir nearing full capacity and more rain forecast, authorities have urged residents in vulnerable areas to remain alert, avoid riverbanks and strictly follow evacuation or safety advisories issued by the administration.
