After a brief lull, heavy rainfall is expected to intensify across Odisha from Saturday, with the India Meteorological Department (IMD) issuing Yellow Warnings for multiple districts over the next 24 hours.

According to the IMD, Mayurbhanj, Balasore, Bhadrak, Keonjhar, Ganjam, Puri, Khordha, Nayagarh, Jagatsinghpur, Cuttack, Kendrapara, and Jajpur are likely to experience heavy rainfall accompanied by thunderstorms and lightning during the next 24 hours.

The weather department has further warned that rainfall activity will increase from Saturday. A Yellow Warning has been issued for 18 districts—Mayurbhanj, Balasore, Bhadrak, Keonjhar, Ganjam, Puri, Khordha, Nayagarh, Kandhamal, Rayagada, Boudh, Angul, Dhenkanal, Jagatsinghpur, Cuttack, Kendrapara, Jajpur, and Gajapati—for heavy rain and thunderstorms with lightning.

Over the past 24 hours, south interior Odisha received widespread rainfall. Sinapali in Nuapada district recorded the state’s highest rainfall at 164 mm, according to the IMD.

Low-Pressure System Likely in Second Week of August

Meteorologist Dr. Sarat Chandra Sahu said that a cyclonic circulation is likely to form over the northwest and adjoining west-central Bay of Bengal during August 6–12. The system is expected to intensify into a low-pressure area around August 9, which could trigger another spell of widespread rainfall across Odisha.

Over 7.05 Lakh People Affected by Floods

Meanwhile, Revenue and Disaster Management Minister Suresh Pujari reviewed the flood situation and shared the latest damage assessment.

He said reports have been received from 20 districts, with floods affecting 100 blocks, 539 gram panchayats, 1,458 villages, and 176 wards across 14 urban local bodies.

According to the minister, more than 7.05 lakh people have been affected by the floods, while over 1.81 lakh people have been evacuated to safer locations. The state is currently operating 520 relief centres, which will continue functioning until floodwaters recede and affected residents can safely return home.

The minister also appealed to farmers not to panic, assuring them that the Odisha government would provide all necessary assistance.

Damage Assessment to Begin After Floodwaters Recede

The state government will soon hold a special review meeting with Collectors of all 20 affected districts to assess flood damage.

District Collectors have been directed to submit detailed damage assessment reports within 72 hours after floodwaters recede. The government has assured that compensation will be released on the fourth day after receiving the reports, ensuring speedy financial assistance to affected families.