Flood Fury / Relentless Rain Triggers Floods in Northern Odisha

Bhubaneswar, Jul 28: Heavy rainfall triggered by a low-pressure system over the Bay of Bengal has wreaked havoc across northern Odisha, particularly in Mayurbhanj and Keonjhar districts.

Continuous downpours over the past few days have swollen rivers and streams, causing the flood surge.

In Keonjhar, the sudden rise in the Baitarani River has transformed Bhimkund, a popular tourist destination, into a terrifying spectacle. The roaring waters and fierce currents have left locals alarmed, with videos of the raging river now going viral on social media. Authorities have issued warnings as water levels continue to rise in the river basin.

Also read: Odisha on Flood Watch: Jalaka River Breaches Danger Level

The situation worsened near Saharapada block, where floodwaters surged over the Tel River bridge by more than five feet, cutting off road connectivity between Keonjhar and Mayurbhanj’s Thakurmunda. Heavy rainfall in Similipal’s upper catchment has further intensified the river’s flow, disrupting daily life.

In Bhadrak district, the Salandi River embankment at Deulpal collapsed over a stretch of more than 100 feet, raising fears of severe flooding.

Villagers along the riverbanks are living in panic as continuous rainfall has swelled Salandi, Nalia, Reba, and Kapali rivers. In Muduli Sahi of Dhamnagar block, over 500 residents from 70 families have been marooned for two days, with road links completely severed.

Extreme Rainfall

Mayurbhanj district has recorded extreme rainfall in the past 24 hours. Betnoti received the highest at 202 mm, followed by Badasahi (186 mm), Thakurmunda (185 mm), and Khunta (181 mm).

Other areas such as Gopabandhunagar, Udala, Samakhunta, and Kaptipada also reported rainfall between 129-158 mm. Lower-lying regions are facing waterlogging, while rivers and streams continue to swell.

The administration has issued flood alerts and is closely monitoring the situation. The Meteorological Department has warned that the impact of rainfall may persist for some more time, raising concerns of further flooding in vulnerable areas.