2 weeks ago
Odisha floods worsen as rivers rise; more rain forecast
A big rainstorm called a depression came from the sea and brought very heavy rain to a place called Odisha in India.
The rain made many rivers fill up with too much water, causing floods.
Many people in the northern part of Odisha have been affected, and the government says nearly ten lakh people have been impacted.
The state's leader, called the Chief Minister, visited flooded villages to see how everyone is doing.
The government has moved more than three lakh people to safer places.
Rescue teams with boats are helping people who are stuck in the floodwater.
Weather experts have warned that more heavy rain could come, so everyone needs to stay alert.
People who fish in the sea were told not to go out on August 18 because the sea is rough.
The water in some rivers might rise even more in the coming days, so rescue workers are watching closely.
Heavy rain from a depression over the northwest Bay of Bengal worsened flooding in Odisha's northern districts, affecting 9.40 lakh people.
Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi visited marooned villages in Jajpur and Bhadrak and held a high-level review; 3.30 lakh people have been evacuated.
IMD issued orange warnings for Sundergarh, Jharsuguda and Baragada and yellow warnings for Sambalpur, Deogarh, Keonjhar, Subarnapur and Bolangir.
Bahalda recorded 273 mm of rain in 24 hours, Rairangpur 207 mm and Balasore 93.1 mm; water levels in the Baitarani, Brahmani and Subarnarekha rivers may rise further.
Rescue efforts involve 45 ODRAF teams, eight NDRF teams and 53 fire service units, while fishermen were advised not to venture into the sea on August 18.
- Who
- Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi, the Odisha state government, the India Meteorological Department (IMD), Water Resources official Dillip Kumar Rout, and rescue teams including ODRAF, NDRF and fire services are responding.
- What
- Heavy rain from a depression over the northwest Bay of Bengal has worsened flooding in Odisha's northern districts, with river levels rising and relief and rescue operations under way.
- Where
- Northern districts of Odisha, India, including Jajpur, Bhadrak, Kendrapara, Balasore and Mayurbhanj; the report was filed from Bhubaneswar.
- When
- Tuesday, August 18, 2026, with more heavy rain forecast; excess flood water discharged by Jharkhand is expected to reach Balasore on Wednesday.
- Why
- The depression brought intense rainfall over the region, raising water levels in the Baitarani, Brahmani and Subarnarekha rivers, while Jharkhand has discharged excess flood water downstream.
Key facts
- People affected
- 9.40 lakh
- People evacuated
- 3.30 lakh
- Highest 24-hour rainfall
- 273 mm at Bahalda (Mayurbhanj); 207 mm at Rairangpur; 93.1 mm at Balasore
- IMD warnings
- Orange: Sundergarh, Jharsuguda, Baragada. Yellow: Sambalpur, Deogarh, Keonjhar, Subarnapur, Bolangir
- Hirakud dam
- Water level 619.97 ft against full reservoir level of 630 ft; water discharged through 10 gates
- Mahanadi river system
- Flood ruled out; about 4 lakh cusec expected at Mundali near Cuttack
- Relief teams deployed
- 45 ODRAF teams, 8 NDRF teams, 53 fire service units
- Fishermen advisory
- Not to venture into the sea on August 18 due to rough sea conditions
Quotes
Water Resources Department Engineer-in-Chief Dillip Kumar Rout
Engineer-in-Chief of Odisha Water Resources Department
“"The excess flood water discharged by Jharkhand is likely to reach Balasore on Wednesday."”
theprint.in
telegraphindia.com
Sources
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