Severe Rainfall Causes Flooding in Odisha, Disrupting Daily Life

Impact of Heavy Rainfall in Odisha

Bhubaneswar, August 9 - The formation of a low-pressure area has led to torrential rains, resulting in rising water levels in rivers and flooding in low-lying areas across several districts, significantly disrupting daily life in Odisha on Sunday, as reported by officials. They noted that while water levels in parts of the Vaitarani, Salandi, Kani, and Mahanadi river systems were decreasing on Saturday, the heavy rainfall over the past 24 hours has caused a rapid increase.

Officials indicated that many regions in the districts of Balasore, Bhadrak, Kendrapara, and Jajpur have been submerged due to floodwaters, affecting villages, agricultural land, and roads. The situation has worsened in Basta, Balasore, as heavy rainfall in the upper catchment areas of the Jalaka River in Mayurbhanj district has led to a continuous rise in the river's water level. Additionally, heavy rains in the upper catchment areas of Chhattisgarh have compelled authorities to open extra gates at the Hirakud Dam.

Currently, 12 flood control gates have been opened to manage the discharge of floodwaters from the reservoir. Meanwhile, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecasted heavy rainfall in several northern and western districts of the state over the next 24 hours.