Bhubaneswar, September 24 (Udaipur Kiran) : Heavy rainfall struck several regions of Odisha on Thursday, resulting in significant flooding and the evacuation of over 8,000 residents. The state experienced more than 100 mm of rain in various southern and western districts over the past 24 hours, attributed to a deep depression in the area.
The intense rainfall caused the water levels in major rivers to rise, leading to flood-like conditions, while landslides disrupted power supply in multiple locations. Teams from the Odisha Disaster Rapid Action Force (ODRAF) and the Fire Service Department have been deployed across the state to clear fallen trees and restore road access.
Suresh Pujari, the Revenue and Disaster Management Minister, provided an update after a review meeting, stating that the situation is under control following the landfall of the deep depression. However, he warned that heavy rainfall is expected to continue in several southern districts for the next 24 hours.
The India Meteorological Department has issued a ‘Red Alert’ for Nabarangpur district, indicating very heavy to extremely heavy rainfall, while an ‘Orange Alert’ has been issued for Koraput, Malkangiri, Bargarh, Nuapada, Balangir, and Kalahandi districts.
Pujari noted that the system has affected several districts, including Ganjam, Gajapati, Rayagada, Koraput, Nabarangpur, and Kalahandi, and is moving towards Chhattisgarh after passing through Balangir and Bargarh.
Rainfall measurements from various locations include 193.9 mm in Semiliguda (Koraput), 142 mm in Tangi (Khurdha), and 125.4 mm in Udayagiri (Kandhamal). Reports of weather-related incidents have come from six districts, affecting a total of 173 villages across 127 gram panchayats and five urban local bodies.
As part of the ongoing evacuation efforts, 8,082 individuals have been moved to safer locations, with relief centers equipped with food and medical assistance. District administrations statewide have been instructed to remain vigilant, particularly in Jharsuguda, Sundargarh, Sonpur, and Sambalpur, where further rainfall is anticipated as the weather system progresses.
Pujari expressed optimism that conditions would gradually improve, with expectations for normalcy by September 26. However, reports of landslides in Gajapati have raised concerns about ongoing risks.
Fisheries Minister Gokulananda Mallik is monitoring the situation in Gajapati, while Panchayati Raj Minister Rabi Narayan Naik is overseeing conditions in Koraput. Additional responsibilities for monitoring relief efforts have been assigned to other ministers and legislators, with four senior officials deployed to assess the situation in various districts.
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