Odisha to Witness More Heavy Rainfall Under Deep Depression Influence

Odisha is likely to receive heavy to very heavy rainfall for the next two days under the influence of a deep depression, with rainfall activity expected to continue until September 26, according to the weather forecast.

The Regional Meteorological Centre has issued a Red Warning for three districts—Nabarangpur, Koraput and Kalahandi—for the next 24 hours, forecasting extremely heavy rainfall of more than 20 cm at isolated places.

Seven districts have been placed under an Orange Warning. These include Malkangiri, Gajapati, Ganjam, Rayagada, Kandhamal, Balangir and Nuapada. Heavy to very heavy rainfall ranging from 11 cm to 20 cm is likely in these districts.

A Yellow Warning has also been issued for 17 districts across coastal, northern and interior Odisha, where rainfall between 7 cm and 11 cm is expected.

In view of the adverse weather conditions, schools in affected areas will remain closed as a precautionary measure.

Meanwhile, water levels in several rivers are being closely monitored. The Jalaka, Subarnarekha and Budhabalanga rivers are not expected to cross the danger mark. However, if the Subarnarekha reaches the warning level, some low-lying areas could experience waterlogging.

Heavy rainfall has already led to waterlogging in some parts of Berhampur and Balasore. In Malkangiri, water is flowing over four bridges, affecting movement in the area.

Officials said the situation is expected to improve if rainfall intensity decreases by Friday. No major flooding is expected in southern Odisha at present.

According to Water Resources Department Chief Engineer Dilip Kumar Rout, Similiguda in Koraput recorded the highest rainfall in the state during the last 24 hours, receiving 193.9 mm of rain. More than 100 mm of rainfall was recorded at 17 locations across Odisha during the period.

Meanwhile, heavy rain has triggered fresh concerns along the Bhanjanagar-Kalinga Ghat road. A guard wall under construction at Kalinga Ghat collapsed amid the rainfall. The project, reportedly estimated at around Rs 25 crore, had suffered similar collapses twice earlier.

Considering the risk posed by the ongoing heavy rainfall and the possibility of further landslides, traffic movement through Kalinga Ghat has been restricted from both sides as a precautionary measure.

Authorities have advised people in vulnerable areas to remain alert and follow official weather and district administration advisories as the rain is expected to continue over the next couple of days.