Rain Fury / Widespread Rainfall Causes Significant Damage Across Odisha

Bhubaneswar, Sep 25: Widespread rainfall triggered by a deep depression has caused extensive damage across Odisha, affecting crops, communication networks and road connectivity. Revenue and Disaster Management Minister Suresh Pujari on Friday said that while the impact has been severe in southern districts, normalcy is expected to return within 48 hours.

Southern Odisha Hit Hard

The weather system brought heavy rainfall to the undivided Koraput district — covering Koraput, Rayagada, Malkangiri and Nabarangpur — before weakening and moving towards Chhattisgarh through Kalahandi, Balangir and Bargarh. In Malkangiri, water overflowed onto two roads, including a stretch of National Highway, forcing closures. Arrangements have been made for travellers, with reopening expected once water recedes.

Landslides and Road Closures

Several landslides were reported in Gajapati district, while a major slide at Kalinga Ghati in Kandhamal led to indefinite closure of the affected road. A diversion route has been provided to maintain vehicular movement.

Also Read: Landslide Disrupts Koraput–Kirandul Rail Line, Six Trains Cancelled

Rivers Above Danger Mark

Water levels in key rivers surged above danger levels. At Akhuapada in Bhadrak, the Baitarani was flowing at 18.79 metres, above the danger mark of 18.33 metres. Similarly, the Jalaka river at Mithali was at 6.78 metres against the danger level of 6.5 metres. The Water Resources Department expects levels to gradually recede.

Agricultural Losses

Thousands of acres of crops have been damaged, with maize fields in Koraput and Nabarangpur among the worst affected. Restoration work is underway, with Fire Services personnel clearing fallen trees and branches. Around 15,000 people have been evacuated from vulnerable areas and shifted to relief centres.

Also Read: Heavy Rain Raises Water Levels In Koraput Dams; Seven Gates Opened Across Reservoirs

Abnormal Rainfall

Minister Pujari noted that Odisha has received 1,450 mm of rainfall between June and September, over 31 per cent above the normal 1,100 mm. “Such abnormal rainfall has perhaps never occurred in Odisha in the past,” he said.

Despite scattered heavy rainfall forecast for Jharsuguda, Sambalpur, Sonepur, Boudh and Sundargarh in the next 24 hours, officials expect the situation to stabilise within two days.