Cyclone Murasu Alert: Malkangiri Opens Balimela Reservoir Gates, Steps Up Emergency Preparedness
Malkangiri: With Cyclonic Storm Murasu expected to bring heavy to very heavy rainfall to southern Odisha, authorities in Malkangiri district have intensified disaster preparedness measures and opened the gates of the Balimela Reservoir as a precautionary step.
Officials released water from one radial gate and two sluice gates of the reservoir to maintain safe water levels ahead of the anticipated rainfall.
Around 6,000 cusecs of water are being discharged every second from the reservoir located near Chitrakonda.
According to irrigation department officials, the reservoir’s current water level stands close to its maximum storage capacity, prompting authorities to take preventive action before rainfall increases inflows into the water body.
Residents living downstream were alerted through public announcements before the gates were opened.
The district administration has also strengthened emergency preparedness across vulnerable areas.
Various departments have been placed on alert while officials continue monitoring rainfall forecasts and reservoir inflows.
Additional safety measures, including evacuation readiness and disaster response planning, have been reviewed in anticipation of adverse weather conditions.
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecast heavy to very heavy rainfall across several southern Odisha districts, including Malkangiri, due to the influence of Cyclone Murasu.
The weather system intensified into a cyclonic storm over the Bay of Bengal and is expected to strengthen further before moving towards the Andhra Pradesh coast.
Authorities have urged people residing in low-lying and riverbank areas to stay alert, follow official advisories, and avoid venturing near water channels as weather conditions are likely to worsen over the next few days.
