Heavy Rainfall in Parts of Odisha, Rivers Remain Below Danger Level

Bhubaneswar: Heavy rainfall in several parts of Odisha over the last 24 hours has prompted the State Government to keep a close watch on the evolving weather system, river levels and vulnerable areas, with disaster response teams deployed in parts of Malkangiri and Kalahandi as a precaution.

The overall situation remains under control, with all monitored rivers flowing below their respective danger levels, according to the State Government.

Odisha recorded an average rainfall of 24.5 mm during the last 24 hours. Chitrakonda block in Malkangiri district received the highest rainfall of 192 mm. Five blocks recorded more than 100 mm of rainfall, while 33 blocks received between 50 mm and 100 mm.

Rainfall during the period from September 1 to September 12 stood at 90.2 mm against the normal average of 96.6 mm, a deficit of 6.6 per cent. However, cumulative rainfall since June 1 has remained above normal at 1,247.5 mm, compared to the normal average of 997 mm, registering a surplus of 25.1 per cent.

The low-pressure area over the northwest-westcentral Bay of Bengal and adjoining south Odisha-north Andhra Pradesh coast is likely to become more marked and move west-northwestwards across north coastal Andhra Pradesh and south Odisha during the next 24 hours.

The India Meteorological Department has issued a Yellow Warning for heavy rainfall at one or two places in Nuapada, Balangir, Kalahandi, Nawarangpur and Koraput districts. Thunderstorms accompanied by lightning and gusty surface winds reaching 30–40 kmph are also likely in several districts, including Baleshwar, Sundargarh, Kendujhar, Mayurbhanj, Nuapada, Balangir, Kalahandi, Kandhamal, Nawarangpur, Rayagada, Koraput, Malkangiri, Gajapati and Ganjam.

Meanwhile, river water levels across the State are being continuously monitored. As of Friday morning, the Mahanadi at Naraj stood at 22.91 metres, the Brahmani at Panposh at 172.66 metres, the Baitarani at Anandpur at 34.79 metres and the Jalaka at Mathani at 6.46 metres, all below their respective danger levels.

At 9 am, the water level of Hirakud reservoir stood at 629.10 feet, with an inflow of 63,767 cusecs and an outflow of 51,062 cusecs. One gate of the reservoir was open.

In Malkangiri, the administration is closely monitoring Malkangiri, Mathili, Kalimela and Podia blocks. ODRAF teams have been positioned in Mathili and Kalimela as a precautionary measure.

Water is currently flowing over Kangrukonda, Pangam, MV-96 and Kanyashrama bridges. However, there was no rainfall in the district at the time of the latest report, and the situation remains under close surveillance.

In Kalahandi, Golamunda, Junagada, Bhabanipatana and Lanjigada blocks are being monitored, with an ODRAF team deployed to strengthen preparedness and response.

District administrations have been advised to remain prepared for localised waterlogging, flooding of roads and closure of underpasses, particularly in urban areas. Authorities have also been asked to watch for possible damage to kutcha roads, vulnerable structures and crops, besides any disruption in areas susceptible to heavy rainfall.

Fishermen have been advised not to venture into the sea along and off the Odisha coast for the next 24 hours.

The State Emergency Operation Centre is monitoring the situation round the clock in coordination with District Emergency Operation Centres across Odisha. The government has urged people to remain calm, follow official weather advisories and take necessary precautions.