Heavy Rain Alert Across Odisha: Govt on High Alert, Flood Preparedness Intensified as Deep Depression Nears Coast

The Odisha Government has stepped up its disaster preparedness as a deep depression over the Bay of Bengal is set to trigger heavy to extremely heavy rainfall across the state. Revenue and Disaster Management Minister Suresh Pujari said district collectors in all alert districts have been directed to remain on high vigilance and ensure immediate evacuation of people from vulnerable areas if required.

The minister said arrangements for cooked food, tarpaulins, shelters, ODRAF teams and Fire Services have been put in place. Urban local bodies and panchayats have also been instructed to stay prepared for possible flash floods. He urged people not to panic, noting that large-scale flooding is unlikely as there has been no significant rainfall in the upper catchment areas.

According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), the deep depression is centred over the northwestern Bay of Bengal adjoining the north Odisha-West Bengal coast and is expected to cross the coast between Balasore and Canning later in the day. A Red Alert has been issued for Sundargarh, Keonjhar and Mayurbhanj, while 14 districts remain under Orange Warning and 13 districts under Yellow Alert. The impact of the system is expected to continue until Tuesday morning.

Meanwhile, rising water levels in the Mahanadi have raised concerns in several districts. Floodwaters have reached the vicinity of the Maa Bhattarika Temple in Cuttack’s Badamba. Temple authorities said the deity will be shifted to the temple kitchen, following tradition, if water enters the sanctum.

In Angul district, floodwaters have submerged the main road at Tikarpada under nearly five feet of water, disrupting traffic and isolating four villages. Rescue teams remain on standby.

Heavy rainfall has also forced the suspension of Sparsha Darshan at the Panchalingeswar Temple in Balasore after water levels in the hill stream surged, making access to the Shiva Linga unsafe. Temple authorities said the ritual will resume once conditions improve and appealed to devotees to follow safety advisories.