Odisha flood situation grim as rivers rise, IMD warns of more rain
Odisha's northern districts face worsening floods after heavy rain, with 9.4 lakh affected and 3.3 lakh evacuated, as IMD predicts more rain.
On August 18, 2026, heavy rain from a Bay of Bengal depression worsened flood conditions across Odisha's northern districts, affecting 9.40 lakh people and prompting the evacuation of 3.30 lakh residents, officials said. Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi reviewed the situation after visiting marooned villages in Jajpur and Bhadrak. The India Meteorological Department issued orange and yellow warnings for continued heavy rain and thunderstorms, while state agencies deployed rescue teams.
What areas are under IMD warnings?
The IMD issued an 'orange warning' (be prepared to take action) for heavy to very heavy rainfall in Sundergarh, Jharsuguda and Baragada districts. A 'yellow warning' (be aware) of heavy rainfall was issued for Sambalpur, Deogarh, Keonjhar, Subarnapur and Bolangir. The department also forecast thunderstorms with lightning and gusty surface winds reaching 30-40 kmph over Sundergarh, Jharsuguda, Baragarh, Sambalpur, Deogarh, Keonjhar, Subarnapur and Bolangir. It advised fishermen not to venture into the sea on August 18 due to rough conditions along the Odisha coast.
Which rivers are expected to rise?
Water Resources Department Engineer-in-Chief Dillip Kumar Rout said the water levels in the Baitarani and Brahmani rivers, which caused flooding in Jajpur, Bhadrak and Kendrapara, were static but likely to swell due to heavy rainfall in Sundergarh and Jharsuguda. He added that the Subarnarekha river could rise because of heavy rainfall in Jharkhand's upper catchment, potentially inundating the Basta, Baliapal and Jaleswar blocks of Balasore district, with excess flood water from Jharkhand expected to reach Balasore on Wednesday. Regarding the Mahanadi system, Rout said experts estimate around 4 lakh cusec of water will flow at Mundali near Cuttack after discharge through ten gates at Hirakud dam, and the present level at Hirakud stands at 619.97 feet against the full reservoir level of 630 feet, ruling out a flood in that basin.
What relief measures are in place?
The state government has mobilised 45 teams of the Odisha Disaster Rapid Action Force (ODRAF), eight National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) teams and 53 fire service units for relief and rescue operations in the affected districts. According to the Special Relief Commissioner's office, Bahalda in Mayurbhanj district recorded 273 mm of rainfall in the past 24 hours, Rairangpur recorded 207 mm and Balasore received 93.1 mm. Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi stated that 3.30 lakh affected people have been evacuated by the state government, out of the 9.40 lakh people affected by the floods.
What caused the worsening flood situation in Odisha on August 18, 2026?
Depression-induced heavy rainfall in the last 24 hours worsened the flood situation in Odisha's northern districts.
How many people have been affected and evacuated according to the Chief Minister?
9.40 lakh people are affected by the floods and 3.30 lakh have been evacuated by the state government.
Which districts received orange and yellow warnings from the IMD?
Orange warning for Sundergarh, Jharsuguda, Baragada; yellow warning for Sambalpur, Deogarh, Keonjhar, Subarnapur and Bolangir.
What rainfall amounts were recorded in specific locations over the past 24 hours?
Bahalda in Mayurbhanj recorded 273 mm, Rairangpur 207 mm and Balasore 93.1 mm of rainfall.
What is the current status of the Mahanadi river system and Hirakud dam regarding flood risk?
Experts estimate around 4 lakh cusec flow at Mundali after Hirakud dam discharge; present Hirakud level is 619.97 ft against full reservoir level of 630 ft, ruling out Mahanadi flood.
Which rivers are likely to see rising water levels and which areas could be inundated?
Baitarani and Brahmani may swell due to rain in Sundergarh and Jharsuguda; Subarnarekha could rise due to Jharkhand rain, potentially inundating Basta, Baliapal and Jaleswar blocks in Balasore.
What rescue and relief teams have been deployed by the Odisha government?
45 ODRAF teams, eight NDRF teams and 53 fire service units have been deployed for relief and rescue operations.
What advisory did the IMD issue for fishermen due to sea conditions?
IMD advised fishermen not to venture into the sea on August 18 because of rough sea conditions along the Odisha coast.
What is the expected timeline for floodwater from Jharkhand to reach Balasore?
Excess flood water discharged by Jharkhand is likely to reach Balasore on Wednesday.
What was the date and time of the article's publication and update?
Published August 18, 2026 03:40 pm IST; updated August 18, 2026 04:52 pm IST.
Debraj Meher
District Correspondent, Sambalpur
Debraj Meher reports on Sambalpur district's civic affairs, the Hirakud dam command area, and the region's handloom economy. He has been the Mirror's Sambalpur correspondent since 2021.
View all articles by Debraj →
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