Sambalpur: The Hirakud Dam in Odisha’s Sambalpur district released this year’s first flood water, today.

According to reports, the flood water was initially released from sluice gate number 7 of the dam.

Later, four mote gates of the reservoir will be opened to release the flood water.

The decision regarding opening of the gates of the dam has been taken in view of the heavy rainfall in the upper catchment areas and subsequent rise in the water level of the dam.

The Mahanadi river and its distributaries are all set to witness increase in water level in lower catchments after opening of the dam gates, for which the authorities have advised the people of concerned areas to take precautionary measures while going to the water bodies.