Archive · 24 Sep 2026
Heavy Rain Hits Odisha as Deep Depression Threatens Floods
Heavy rain fell in southern and coastal parts of Odisha.
A strong weather system called a deep depression caused the rain.
One report said Semiliguda received 230 millimetres in a day, while another later report gave a figure of 193.9 millimetres.
Officials moved about 5,000 people in Gajapati district to safer shelters.
Some houses were flooded or collapsed, and trees fell in several districts.
Weather officials warned that more very heavy rain could cause floods and landslides.
Strong winds were also expected near the coast.
Schools and Anganwadi centres were closed in 10 districts.
Rescue teams, ministers and local officials were sent or placed on duty to help people.
Heavy rain affected southern and coastal Odisha, with Semiliguda recording 230 mm in one report and 193.9 mm in another.
At least 5,000 people, including pregnant women and elderly residents, were moved to shelters in Gajapati district.
The deep depression moved toward or made landfall near the Andhra Pradesh–Odisha region, with warnings of more heavy rain.
Red and orange alerts were issued for multiple districts, with risks of flooding, landslides, strong winds and damage.
The government deployed 33 ODRAF teams, sent two ministers to monitor conditions and closed institutions in 10 districts.
- Who
- Residents of southern and coastal Odisha, state authorities, the India Meteorological Department, Odisha Disaster Rapid Action Force teams and two state ministers.
- What
- Heavy rainfall from a deep depression caused flooding risks, landslides, property damage and precautionary evacuations.
- When
- Rain intensified on Wednesday, with reports dated Wednesday and Thursday; heavy rain was forecast to continue through the following days.
- Where
- Southern and coastal Odisha, particularly Gajapati, Koraput, Kalahandi, Malkangiri and Nabarangapur districts, near the Andhra Pradesh–Odisha coast.
- Why
- An approaching or landfalling deep depression brought heavy rain and strong winds, creating risks of floods and landslides.
- Highest reported rainfall
- Semiliguda in Koraput recorded 230 mm in one report; a later report recorded 193.9 mm there.
- Evacuations
- At least 5,000 people, including pregnant women and elderly residents, were moved to cyclone centres and temporary relief camps in Gajapati.
- Weather system
- The deep depression was described as stronger than a low-pressure area but weaker than a cyclonic storm.
- Warnings
- Red warnings covered districts including Kalahandi, Koraput, Malkangiri and Nabarangapur; several other districts received orange or yellow warnings.
- Wind forecast
- Coastal winds were forecast at 55–65 kmph in one report and gusts up to 70 kmph in another.
- Emergency response
- The government mobilised 33 Odisha Disaster Rapid Action Force teams and sent ministers to Koraput and Gajapati.
- Public safety measures
- Educational institutions and Anganwadi centres were closed in 10 districts, while fishermen were advised to remain ashore.
