Odisha News Today

Bhubaneswar, Aug 14: Odisha Special Relief Commissioner (SRC) Rajesh Prabhakar Patil on Friday said a moderate flood threat was looming over parts of Baleshwar, Bhadrak and Jajpur districts amid rising water levels in several rivers, including the Jalaka, Salandi, Baitarani, Budhabalanga and Subarnarekha.Patil said the flood situation was being closely monitored, with officials deployed on the ground in affected areas. He said water levels in the Jalaka and Salandi were already indicating flood conditions, while the Budhabalanga had crossed the danger mark due to rainfall.“The flood situation is being monitored. Officials are present on the ground,” Patil said, adding that the rising water level of the Budhabalanga was likely to affect Baleshwar.The SRC said Baleshwar Sadar and Remuna blocks have been affected across 15 panchayats. He also said Bhograi and Basta blocks had been alerted in view of the expected rise in the Subarnarekha's water level.“Jharkhand has received heavy rainfall, which is why the water level [of the Subarnarekha] is high,” Patil said.He further warned that areas where embankment breaches or ‘ghais’ had occurred could face greater inundation, specifically mentioning Akhuapada in Bhadrak district and Anandapur in Kendujhar district.Also Read: Heavy Rain, Rising Rivers Trigger Flood-Like Conditions In Four Odisha DistrictsOn the situation in Mayurbhanj, Patil said the Budhabalanga water level had fallen in Baripada, while the situation in Betnoti was expected to improve after noon. He said there had been a forecast of low rainfall today, although significant rainfall is likely to continue in Mayurbhanj and Kendujhar districts.Patil said the administration had already begun evacuating people from vulnerable areas. He added that District Collectors were present in the affected panchayats and that the administration was fully prepared to deal with the situation.A total of 10 ODRAF and seven NDRF teams have been deployed, while four additional teams have been kept ready for emergency requirements. District-wise deployment includes eight teams (4 NDRF + 4 ODRAF) in Baleshwar district; three teams (2 ODRAF + 1 NDRF) in Jajpur district; four teams (2 NDRF + 2 ODRAF) in Bhadrak district; one ODRAF team in Kendujhar district and three teams (2 ODRAF + 1 NDRF) in Mayurbhanj district.Each rescue team, he said, comprises three sub-teams.Appealing to people not to believe unverified information, Patil said, “People should not pay heed to misinformation. Teams are there on the ground to help affected people.”Asked about recurring inundation in low-lying areas, the SRC said the government was working on a long-term solution.“We are now facing a flood situation in low-lying areas. But we are working on a long-term action plan to curb the flood crisis,” Patil said.

Bhubaneswar, Aug 14: The southwest monsoon has become active over Odisha after a low-pressure area over the northwest Bay of Bengal and adjoining areas intensified into a depression.Under its influence, the regional centre of the India Meteorological Department (IMD) in Bhubaneswar issued an orange warning for heavy to very heavy rainfall in Sambalpur, Sundaragada, Jharsuguda and Baragada districts over the next 24 hours, valid till August 15.Fishermen are advised not to venture into the north Bay of Bengal, along and off West Bengal and Odisha coasts till the morning of August 15. Nine Districts Under Yellow WarningA yellow warning has also been issued for heavy rainfall in Kendujhar, Baleshwar, Mayurbhanj, Anugola, Debagada, Boudh, Subarnapur, Balangir and Nuapada districts.The weather system is expected to keep the monsoon active across several parts of the state.Also Read: Salandi, Baitarani Rivers Pose Waterlogging Threat As Odisha Braces for More RainAnother Low-Pressure Area LikelyEven as the current system continues to influence Odisha's weather, another low-pressure system is likely to develop over the Bay of Bengal.According to the IMD assessment provided, a new upper-air cyclonic circulation is likely to form over the north Bay of Bengal by August 19.Under its influence, a low-pressure area may develop over the northwest Bay of Bengal around August 20, potentially bringing another spell of rainfall to Odisha.Monsoon Rainfall Crosses 900 mmMeanwhile, Odisha's cumulative southwest monsoon rainfall has crossed the 900-mm mark this season.From June 1 to August 13, the state recorded 901.8 mm of rainfall against the normal rainfall of 713.3 mm for the period.This represents a 26 per cent surplus over the normal rainfall.