Flood Fury / Heavy Rains Trigger Floods in Odisha Districts, Mayurbhanj Worst Hit

Bhubaneswar, Sep 2: Continuous rainfall from a well‑marked low‑pressure system has drenched large parts of Odisha, creating flood‑like conditions in several districts.

The system, located over Gangetic West Bengal, northern Odisha, Jharkhand and adjoining northwest Bay of Bengal, is expected to move northwestward over the next 48 hours, according to the Regional Meteorological Centre.

A yellow alert has been issued for Jharsuguda, Baragada and Sundargada districts, warning of heavy rainfall in the next 24 hours. Light to moderate showers are also likely in other regions.

Also read: Fresh Flood Threat Looms as Subarnarekha, Baitarani Rivers Rise in Odisha

Since August 29, persistent downpours have triggered floods in Mayurbhanj district. From August 31 evening, rivers including Budhabalanga and Subarnarekha, along with smaller streams, overflowed following torrential rain in Similipal, Bangiriposhi, Saraskana, Bisoi, Rairangpur, Bijatala and Bahalda blocks. As a result, Baripada town and 19 blocks across the district witnessed severe inundation.

Although rainfall reduced on Tuesday, leading to a fall in river levels and partial relief in Baripada and nearby areas, several villages in Badasahi and Betanati regions remained waterlogged. Panchayats such as Managobindapur, Chandanpur, Patalipura and Kalama continued to face floodwaters.

District administration reports confirm that 19 blocks and Baripada municipality have been affected. Rescue and relief operations have been intensified, with ODRAF teams deployed in Badasahi, Betanati, Saraskana and Baripada. Thirteen fire service units are also engaged in evacuating residents to safer locations.

Authorities have set up 43 relief camps and 33 free kitchens, currently sheltering 5,787 displaced people. Food supplies including puffed rice, biscuits, mixture and bottled drinking water have been distributed, along with 70 rolls of polythene sheets for temporary shelter.

Medical teams have been mobilized to address health concerns, while a mobile veterinary unit is providing treatment for livestock. Preliminary assessments show two pucca houses and two kutcha houses completely destroyed, five kutcha houses severely damaged, and 441 partially affected. Three sheds and 12 cattle shelters have also been damaged.

Schools in affected blocks have been ordered closed until conditions improve. The administration has assured compensation after a full damage survey.