Odisha Government on High Alert as Heavy Rain Continues; No Major Flood Threat Yet, Says Revenue Minister

Bhubaneswar: The Odisha government has intensified its preparedness to tackle the ongoing spell of heavy rainfall across the state, with Revenue and Disaster Management Minister Suresh Pujari assuring that the administration is fully equipped to handle any emerging flood-like situation.

Speaking to reporters on Monday, Pujari said Odisha has long experience in dealing with monsoon-induced floods and that all departments have been placed on alert. He said the India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a red warning for heavy to very heavy rainfall in seven to eight districts, while around 15 other districts remain under an orange warning.

The Minister said he has been regularly reviewing the situation with district collectors and officials of the weather department. Over the past 24 hours, intense rainfall has been reported from Sundargarh, Sambalpur, Bargarh and Jharsuguda, while districts including Balasore, Bhadrak, Jajpur, Dhenkanal, Deogarh, Angul, Keonjhar, Mayurbhanj, Sonepur, Boudh, Nuapada and Balangir also received substantial rainfall. Several parts of southern Odisha experienced showers as well.

According to official figures, Odisha recorded an average rainfall of 47.2 mm during the last 24 hours, with Balasore receiving the highest precipitation. More than 100 mm of rainfall was registered in 13 blocks and one urban local body. The Minister noted that rainfall during the past week has been nearly 84 per cent above the seasonal average.

Reviewing the river situation, Pujari said there has been no significant surge in the state’s major rivers because rainfall has been relatively lower in the upper catchment areas. At present, water is being discharged from the Hirakud Dam through only two gates. While water levels have risen in the Brahmani, Baitarani, Jalaka and Budhabalanga rivers, only the Jalaka has crossed the danger level.

He acknowledged that waterlogging has affected several low-lying urban areas, with a few localities remaining cut off due to inundation. Rescue and relief operations are underway, with teams of ODRAF, NDRF and the Fire Services deployed in vulnerable locations. Evacuation of residents has already begun wherever required.

The Minister said flood and cyclone shelters have been stocked with essential supplies, while medical teams, medicines and emergency relief materials have been kept ready. Arrangements have also been made to provide cooked meals and dry rations to displaced families. Separate measures have been taken for the safety of livestock, including fodder supply and relocation where necessary. Medical teams have also been equipped with anti-venom injections in flood-prone areas.

Pujari said the government is preparing for a situation beyond the current IMD forecast, considering the changing nature of the weather system. He added that the deep depression influencing the rainfall is likely to move out of Odisha towards neighbouring states by Monday evening.

Reassuring the public, the Minister said the administration remains on the ground, continuously monitoring waterlogged areas and coordinating with the Water Resources Department. He urged people not to panic and to cooperate with local authorities, stating that, barring the Jalaka river, no major flood threat is anticipated in the state’s river systems at present.