Archive · 21 Sep 2026
Ganjam Closes Kalinga Ghat as Heavy Rain Threatens
Officials in Ganjam district are preparing for very bad weather.
A weather system over the Bay of Bengal may bring heavy rain and strong winds.
Because rain could cause landslides, Kalinga Ghat will be closed from September 23 until the morning of September 24.
Drivers have been told to use other roads.
Fishermen have been warned not to go into the sea.
Emergency shelters and rescue teams are being prepared.
Officials are also making sure medicines are available and pregnant women can reach safe delivery centres.
People should stay indoors during lightning and call the emergency control room if they need help.
Traffic on Kalinga Ghat will be suspended from September 23 until the morning of September 24.
The closure follows forecasts of heavy rain, strong winds and possible landslides in Ganjam district.
The India Meteorological Department forecasts heavy rainfall on September 23 and continuous rain around September 22 and 24.
The district has prepared 110 cyclone shelters, more than 1,000 temporary shelters and two special ODRAF teams.
Officials have activated 24-hour control rooms and advised residents to remain indoors during lightning and emergencies.
- Who
- The Ganjam district administration, with support from the Kandhamal district administration and emergency-response teams.
- What
- Traffic on Kalinga Ghat will be suspended, while shelters, rescue teams and emergency-control arrangements are prepared.
- When
- The ghat closure runs from September 23 until the morning of September 24; rain is forecast from September 22 through September 24.
- Where
- Kalinga Ghat and other areas of Ganjam district, including Bhanjanagar and Chikiti-Patrapur.
- Why
- Forecast heavy rain, winds of 40–50 kmph and possible landslides prompted the precautions.
- Traffic restriction
- Kalinga Ghat will be closed to traffic from September 23 until the morning of September 24.
- Rain forecast
- Heavy rainfall is forecast for September 23, with continuous rain possible on September 22 and 24.
- Expected winds
- Winds may reach 40–50 kmph.
- Cyclone shelters
- The administration has prepared 110 cyclone shelters.
- Temporary shelters
- More than 1,000 temporary shelters are ready across the district.
- Rescue deployment
- Two special ODRAF teams will be deployed in Bhanjanagar and Chikiti-Patrapur.
- Emergency helpline
- The District Emergency Operation Centre can be reached at 06811-263978.