Odisha Battles Fresh Flooding After Heavy Rainfall Across Districts
Heavy rainfall from a Bay of Bengal depression has triggered fresh flooding across multiple Odisha districts, damaging crops and threatening historic sites.
Heavy rainfall from a deep depression over the Bay of Bengal has caused fresh flooding and waterlogging across multiple districts of Odisha, with the India Meteorological Department forecasting heavy to very heavy rain until the 30th of the month in Mayurbhanj, Keonjhar, Balasore, Bhadrak, Jajpur, Deogarh, Angul, Dhenkanal, Subarnapur, Boudh, Nuapada and Balangir. In Bhadrak, the Kansabansa and Gamei rivers have swollen, inundating low‑lying areas of Basudevpur and seven gram panchayats, while Subarnapur reports extensive crop losses and the Mahanadi’s rising waters have entered the Bhattarika Temple premises in Cuttack. The state government has placed district administrations on round‑the‑clock alert, and Revenue and Disaster Management Minister Suresh Pujari has directed vigilance and swift relief measures.
Which districts are under heavy rainfall alert?
The India Meteorological Department has issued a forecast of heavy to very heavy rainfall until the 30th of this month for twelve districts: Mayurbhanj, Keonjhar, Balasore, Bhadrak, Jajpur, Deogarh, Angul, Dhenkanal, Subarnapur, Boudh, Nuapada and Balangir. The forecast is linked to a deep depression over the Bay of Bengal that continues to draw moisture inland. This rainfall has already triggered fresh flooding and waterlogging in several of these areas. Districts are monitoring river levels and preparing relief supplies.
What is the meteorological background behind the rainfall?
The current rainfall is driven by a deep depression situated over the Bay of Bengal, which continues to draw moist air onto the Odisha coast. Meteorologists note that such systems typically bring prolonged spells of heavy rain when they linger near the shore. The IMD’s forecast reflects the expectation that the system will remain active through the end of the month. This background explains why multiple districts are simultaneously experiencing heavy showers.
What are the specific impacts reported in Bhadrak and Subarnapur?
In Bhadrak district, the swelling of the Kansabansa and Gamei rivers has caused a fresh flood situation in Basudevpur, inundating low‑lying areas even before the previous floodwaters receded. Flood‑like conditions persist in seven gram panchayats of the district. Meanwhile, extensive crop losses have been reported from Subarnapur due to the ongoing rains. No other district‑specific damage figures are provided in the source.
How has the rising Mahanadi affected historic sites?
Rising waters of the Mahanadi river have entered the premises of the historic Bhattarika Temple in Cuttack district. The temple, a noted cultural site, is currently affected by the inundation. No further details on the extent of damage to the temple are given in the source.
How is the state government responding to the flood situation?
The Odisha State Government has strengthened its preparedness and response measures, placing all district administrations on round‑the‑clock alert. Revenue and Disaster Management Minister Suresh Pujari chaired a high‑level review meeting and directed officials to maintain vigilance and ensure swift relief and response actions. The administration remains on heightened alert as the monsoon system persists.
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What caused the heavy rainfall in Odisha?
The heavy rainfall is caused by a deep depression over the Bay of Bengal that continues to bring moist air onto the Odisha coast.
Which districts are under the heavy to very heavy rainfall forecast until the 30th?
Mayurbhanj, Keonjhar, Balasore, Bhadrak, Jajpur, Deogarh, Angul, Dhenkanal, Subarnapur, Boudh, Nuapada and Balangir are forecast to receive heavy to very heavy rainfall until the 30th of the month.
What specific flood impacts have been reported in Bhadrak district?
In Bhadrak, the Kansabansa and Gamei rivers have swollen, flooding Basudevpur and seven gram panchayats, with low‑lying areas inundated even before the previous floodwaters receded.
What crop losses have been reported in Subarnapur?
Subarnapur district has reported extensive crop losses due to the ongoing rains.
How has the Mahanadi river affected the Bhattarika Temple in Cuttack?
Rising waters of the Mahanadi river have entered the premises of the historic Bhattarika Temple in Cuttack district, affecting the site.
What actions has the Odisha state government taken in response to the flooding?
The state government has placed district administrations on round‑the‑clock alert, strengthened preparedness and response measures, and Revenue and Disaster Management Minister Suresh Pujari has directed vigilance and swift relief and response actions.
Suresh Sahu
Senior District Correspondent, Balangir
Suresh Sahu has reported on Balangir district for the Mirror since 2020, focusing on drought-relief policy, health infrastructure, and district politics.
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