Flood Fury / Odisha Floods Worsen, Another Low Pressure Looms

Bhubaneswar, Aug 19: Odisha is bracing for yet another spell of heavy rain as weather experts predict the formation of a fresh low‑pressure area over the north‑west Bay of Bengal and adjoining north Odisha coast next week.

The system is expected to intensify rainfall across the state. With several districts already reeling under floods, the prospect of another low pressure has raised fears of worsening conditions.

The current depression lies over Jharkhand and is likely to move west‑northwestwards across Jharkhand and Bihar in the next 12 hours while gradually weakening. However, the anticipated new system could bring fresh downpours to coastal and northern Odisha.

Also read: Floods Persist in Jajpur and Chandbali, Relief Intensified

Bhadrak district remains one of the worst affected. Floodwaters have impacted 149 villages across four blocks. The Baitarani river is flowing above the danger mark at Akhuapada, inundating villages in Bhandaripokhari and Tihidi blocks.

Rising waters in the Salandi river have submerged bridges at Rajamukundpur and Matagajpur, with four feet of water flowing over them. Continuous rainfall has also caused breaches in embankments in Basudevpur municipality, leaving several families homeless.

The fifth flood of the Baitarani has entered habitations through the Konti escape channel, inundating villages in Solampur, Malda, Napanga, Rahania, Kurigaon, Bandal, and Madhiari panchayats.

Road connectivity between Bhadrak and Jajpur has been cut off due to floodwaters flowing over roads in Solampur.

While the Baitarani continues to flow above danger level, the Brahmani river has shown signs of receding, with water levels at Jenapur below the danger mark.

Yet, the combined impact of the rivers and their tributaries has left vast areas of Bhandaripokhari, Dhamnagar, Bori, and Dhasarathpur blocks submerged. In Bori block, nearly all panchayats are affected, with hundreds of villages under water.

In Dhasarathpur block, more than 70 villages across 20 panchayats are marooned. Strong currents have entered Gandar village, damaging crops and inundating farmland. Paddy and vegetable cultivation has been devastated.

Relief and rescue operations are underway, with nodal teams, health units, and water resources officials deployed across affected areas.