Odisha Flood Situation Worsens; Over 2.32 Lakh People Affected, Government on High Alert
Rainfall likely to ease as the weather system weakens, but overflowing rivers keep northern Odisha on flood alert; rescue teams remain on standby.
The deep depression that triggered widespread heavy rainfall over Odisha has weakened into a depression and is currently centred over Sambalpur and adjoining areas, bringing some relief as rainfall intensity is expected to decrease from Wednesday. However, the flood situation remains critical across northern Odisha, with major rivers continuing to flow above danger levels.
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued an Orange Alert for Bargarh district, while Jharsuguda, Sambalpur, Sonepur, Balangir, Nuapada, Kalahandi, and Nabarangpur remain under Yellow Alert for the next 24 hours. Heavy to very heavy rainfall is still likely in parts of western and southern interior Odisha due to the lingering system.
Northern Odisha continues to face severe flooding as the Baitarani, Budhabalanga, Salandi, and Jalaka rivers overflow, inundating large parts of Balasore, Bhadrak, Jajpur, Mayurbhanj, and Keonjhar districts. Officials fear the Baitarani could witness a moderate to major flood, threatening more low-lying areas.
The state government has intensified relief operations by deploying ODRAF and NDRF teams to affected districts. Three senior IAS officers have been assigned to oversee flood management in Balasore, Bhadrak, and Jajpur, while educational institutions in eight districts have been closed as a precaution.
The heavy rains have also claimed lives. A woman drowned after being swept away near the Remal Dam in Keonjhar, while separate wall-collapse incidents in Keonjhar, Deogarh, and Boudh resulted in multiple deaths and injuries.
Urban flooding has severely affected Balasore town, where roads, markets, and residential areas remain submerged. Several highways, including stretches of NH-16 and NH-49, have been disrupted due to overflowing rivers and floodwaters. Thousands of vehicles remain stranded, and connectivity to several villages has been cut off.
Authorities have advised residents living in low-lying and riverbank areas to remain alert, avoid unnecessary travel, and cooperate with evacuation efforts as rescue and relief operations continue across the flood-hit districts.
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