Odisha is likely to witness an increase in rainfall from tomorrow as a cyclonic circulation is expected to develop over the Bay of Bengal. The Regional Meteorological Centre has forecast heavy to very heavy rainfall in several parts of coastal Odisha.
Several districts have already received significant rainfall over the past 24 hours. Balangir recorded 101 mm, Bargarh 95.8 mm, Jharsuguda 37.3 mm, Malkangiri 36.4 mm and Jajpur 31.5 mm of rainfall. Barakot block in Deogarh district recorded the highest rainfall at 162.2 mm.
Four blocks received more than 100 mm of rainfall, while nine blocks and one urban area recorded rainfall between 50 mm and 100 mm. From August 1 to 25, Odisha recorded a cumulative rainfall of 344.4 mm.
Meanwhile, flood-like conditions have affected several areas of Bhadrak, Jajpur and Kendrapara districts.
In Bhadrak, 75,432 people in 70 villages under 18 panchayats of Tihidi and Chandbali blocks have been affected. In Jajpur, around 21,000 people in 41 villages under 15 panchayats across Bari, Binjharpur and Dasarathpur blocks have been affected.
In Kendrapara, 5,475 people have been affected across five blocks, one urban area, 11 wards, 35 panchayats and 64 villages.
Heavy rainfall has also affected parts of Keonjhar, Nabarangpur and Koraput districts. In Nabarangpur, nine blocks have been affected and 1,622 people have been shifted to relief camps. In Koraput, 660 people have been evacuated to safer locations.
To deal with the situation, nine rescue teams have been deployed in vulnerable areas for quick rescue and relief operations.
The administration has allocated a total of ₹170.30 crore in different phases for managing relief camps and carrying out other emergency measures in flood-affected areas.
Authorities have been directed to closely monitor the situation, particularly in low-lying areas vulnerable to waterlogging and flooding. Officials have also been asked to keep a close watch on roads and underpasses as rainfall is expected to intensify from tomorrow.
With the possible development of the cyclonic circulation over the Bay of Bengal, authorities are on alert and residents in vulnerable areas have been advised to remain cautious.