Heavy Rain Batters Odisha; Flooding, Infrastructure Damage and Waterlogging Disrupt Normal Life Across Districts

Continuous heavy rainfall has thrown normal life out of gear across several districts of Odisha, with widespread flooding, waterlogging, damaged roads, breached embankments and disrupted transportation affecting thousands of residents.

Dhenkanal Worst Hit by Flooding

In Dhenkanal district, the situation remains critical in Tumusinga village under Kamakhyanagar block, where the Jharasahi, Badasahi and Pradhansahi localities are completely waterlogged. More than 10 families are stranded as floodwater has entered their homes after overflowing drains. Despite using motor pumps to remove water, residents continue to face severe hardship.

In Hindol, Gate No. 3 of the Sapua Bada Joda Medium Irrigation Project collapsed due to the alleged lack of maintenance. During media coverage of the incident, Executive Engineer Kalyani Sahu was caught on camera pushing away a reporter’s microphone before leaving the site.

Floodwaters from the Sapua and Bada Joda rivers have submerged the Karanda, Gulehi and Ishwarpal bridges, with nearly five feet of water flowing over them, completely disrupting road connectivity.

Meanwhile, the boundary wall of Bhapur Upper Primary School in Gandia block collapsed following incessant rainfall.

Cuttack Villages Marooned; Roads Washed Away

The flood situation has also worsened in Cuttack district.

Tirigipasi village under Balijhari Panchayat in the Badamba-Narsinghpur block has been completely surrounded by floodwater, preventing residents from stepping out of their homes.

In Badapatsundarpur, under the Niali-Kantapada block, an Anganwadi Centre has been submerged, disrupting classes for young children.

At Ichhapur Panchayat in Athagarh, strong currents in the Sapua River washed away the rural road connecting Arakhapatna and Patanda, cutting off transport.

In Banki, a breach in the Junia Canal has resulted in nearly three feet of water flowing over the road connecting Gaudachheli village, while hundreds of hectares of paddy fields remain submerged, causing heavy losses to farmers.

Rivers Flow Above Danger Level in Balasore

The impact of the rain has extended to several coastal districts.

In Balasore district, the Jalka River at Mathani in Basta block crossed the danger mark, flowing at 6.52 metres, above the danger level of 6.50 metres. Officials fear that nearly 13 gram panchayats could be affected if the water level continues to rise.

Puri Heritage Site Wall Collapses

In Puri, heavy rain caused a portion of the boundary wall of the sacred Swetaganga Tank to collapse. The incident has disrupted movement in Balisahi and nearby areas, creating difficulties for commuters and local residents.

House Wall Collapse Injures Man in Keonjhar

In Hadabandhapur village under Ghasipura block of Keonjhar district, a mud wall collapsed late at night, seriously injuring Parameswar Dehuri. He was rescued and admitted to Anandapur Sub-Divisional Hospital for treatment.

Schools Closed in Subarnapur

Considering the continuing spell of heavy rainfall, the Subarnapur district administration has declared an early closure of all Anganwadi centres, schools and colleges on the directions of the District Collector to ensure the safety of students.

Administration on Alert

With heavy rainfall continuing across Odisha, district administrations remain on high alert. Authorities are closely monitoring river levels, vulnerable embankments and low-lying areas while emergency teams have been kept ready to respond to any flood-related situation. Residents living in flood-prone regions have been advised to remain cautious and follow official advisories as the rain is expected to continue.