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Severe Weather Conditions in Odisha

Bhubaneswar: On Wednesday, Odisha experienced significant disruptions as relentless rainfall, triggered by a low-pressure system, inundated various regions, particularly in the southern districts of Koraput, Malkangiri, and Nabarangpur. Over 100 villages remained submerged due to flooding from rivers, according to officials.

Heavy rainfall was reported across the state, including in the flood-affected districts of Balasore, Bhadrak, and Jajpur. The intensity of the rain increased after the low-pressure area over the Bay of Bengal became more pronounced in the morning, as noted by the India Meteorological Department (IMD).

The IMD has predicted that Koraput and Malkangiri districts will continue to experience heavy to very heavy rainfall until 8:30 AM on Thursday, with forecasts indicating similar conditions in 28 additional districts.

Officials stated that the state is likely to face another extended period of rainfall over the next three days due to the well-marked low-pressure system.

Reports from the revenue and disaster management department indicated that Jeypore recorded the highest rainfall at 19 cm, followed by Kotpad and Borigumma at 16 cm each, while Nandahandi and Nandapur received 13 cm each. Lamataput and Koraput saw 12 cm, and Similiguda recorded 11 cm.

In Koraput district, some villages in the Boipariguda block were inundated after receiving 306 mm of rain. Boriguma followed closely with 155.8 mm. Six blocks in Koraput experienced over 100 mm of rainfall, leading to an average of 115 mm across the district.

The heavy rains in Koraput have disrupted road connectivity with neighboring states, as rainwater flooded National Highway-326 near Keraput Chhack in the Boipariguda block.

A revenue department official reported that the Kururu river overflowed, submerging parts of the highway, causing traffic to come to a halt. Hundreds of vehicles, including long-distance buses and goods carriers, were stranded on both sides.

Eyewitnesses noted that water levels were nearly four feet above the road, making it hazardous for vehicles to navigate.

Drivers expressed frustration, stating, 'Buses and trucks have been waiting for hours. We cannot risk moving until the water recedes.'

Jeypore town also faced significant waterlogging, with many low-lying areas flooded, forcing residents to spend hours clearing water from their homes.

Malkangiri district reported similar conditions, with residents unable to leave their homes due to continuous rain since Tuesday afternoon.

Normal activities were disrupted in Nabarangpur, Kalahandi, Rayagada, Gajapati, Ganjam, Kandhamal, and other southern districts of Odisha.

In light of the ongoing heavy rains, the Railways canceled at least two trains and altered the routes of several others. The up and down night express trains between Visakhapatnam and Kirandul were among those canceled on Wednesday.

Despite the water levels in major rivers like Subarnarekha and Baitarani dropping below danger levels in northern Odisha, the ongoing rain has exacerbated the situation for many residents.

People in Baliapal, Bhograi, and Jaleswar blocks in Balasore district, as well as Dasrathpur in Jajpur district and Dhamnagar, Tihidi, and Bhandaripokhari in Bhadrak district, were unable to return home due to floodwaters still standing around four feet high on roads, even as river levels receded, according to a revenue department official.

Relief efforts are underway, with cooked meals being provided at relief centers and dry food distributed in villages. Some residents are taking refuge on the upper floors of buildings in Balasore and Jajpur.

CS Padhi, Chief Engineer of the Water Resource Department, stated that no new flood threats have been reported from other rivers across the state, but it will take time for water to drain from the inundated low-lying areas.