Odisha Flood Emergency: Rivers Swell, Schools Closed in Four Districts as IMD Issues Red Alert
Schools in four Odisha districts shut Monday as IMD issued red alerts for three districts amid heavy rainfall from a Bay of Bengal depression.
Odisha Flood Emergency: Schools closed as rivers swell and IMD issues red alert
On Monday, July 27, 2026, heavy monsoon rains have triggered a flood emergency in Odisha, with the Baitarani River crossing its danger level and the Mahanadi and Salandi rivers rising sharply. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) issued a Red Alert for Sundargarh, Sambalpur, Bargarh, and Jharsuguda districts, indicating extremely heavy rainfall and a high likelihood of flooding. An Orange Alert was declared for thirteen other districts.
School closures and emergency actions
All schools in Bhadrak and Jajpur districts will remain closed tomorrow as a precaution. National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) teams have been deployed to Red Alert zones for rescue operations and preparedness. Rail services face disruptions in certain stretches due to waterlogging.
River status and risks
The Baitarani River has exceeded danger levels, raising immediate flood concerns. The Mahanadi and Salandi rivers are also witnessing rapid water-level increases, exacerbating risks in downstream areas.
Related coverage remains
- Odisha Braces for Heavy Rain, Thunderstorms as IMD Issues Yellow Alert for 7 Districts
- Heavy Rainfall Alert Issued for Western Odisha as Low Pressure System Looms
- Sonepur Schools, Anganwadi Centres Closed Due to Heavy Rainfall
- Odisha Weather Warnings: Thunderstorms and Strong Winds Alert for Kosal Region Until July 1
Which districts had schools closed in Odisha on July 27, 2026?
Schools were closed in Jagatsinghpur, Sonepur, Mayurbhanj and Kendrapara districts.
What rain alerts did the IMD issue for Odisha on July 27, 2026?
The IMD issued red alerts for Sundargarh, Keonjhar and Mayurbhanj, orange alerts for 19 districts and yellow alerts for eight districts.
What caused the heavy rainfall in Odisha on July 27, 2026?
A deep depression over the northwest Bay of Bengal moving toward the Odisha coast caused the heavy rainfall.
What did Revenue and Disaster Management Minister Suresh Pujari say about the expected rainfall?
He said normal to heavy or extremely heavy rainfall is expected for the next 24 hours, after which intensity may reduce, and that the state is prepared to deal with the situation.
Are there any immediate flood threats in Odisha as of July 27, 2026?
Officials said water levels in major rivers, including the Mahanadi, remain below the danger mark and there is no immediate flood threat in Mayurbhanj, Keonjhar and Balasore districts.
What precautions has the Odisha government taken to handle possible waterlogging?
Field‑level officials have been placed on high alert and instructed to deploy pumps to drain water from low‑lying areas if waterlogging occurs.
What will determine the severity of the rainfall impact in the next 24 hours?
The coming 24 hours will determine how severe the impact becomes in districts under red and orange alerts.
Ansuya Minz
Senior District Correspondent, Sundargarh
Ansuya Minz has covered Sundargarh district for six years, reporting on the steel belt's industry, tribal welfare policy, and the Rourkela sports ecosystem. She is based in Rourkela.
View all articles by Ansuya →
Loading…