Bhubaneswar: The Odisha government is closely monitoring the rainfall and flood situation triggered by a low-pressure system, with the State Emergency Operation Centre (SEOC) keeping a round-the-clock watch on developments across the state.
According to the situation report available as of 11 AM on Monday, heavy to very heavy rainfall is likely at one or two places in Sundargarh, Jharsuguda, Bargarh, Sambalpur, Subarnapur and Boudh districts. These areas may also experience thunderstorms accompanied by lightning and gusty winds of 40-50 km/h.
Heavy rainfall is also likely in Balasore, Deogarh, Angul, Kendujhar, Mayurbhanj, Nuapada, Balangir, Kalahandi, Kandhamal, Nabarangpur, Rayagada, Koraput, Malkangiri, Gajapati, Ganjam and Nayagarh districts.
Odisha recorded an average rainfall of 32.9 mm during the past 24 hours. Joda block in Kendujhar district received the highest rainfall at 169.4 mm.
Eight blocks and one municipal area recorded more than 100 mm of rainfall. Another 73 blocks and six stations across four municipal areas recorded rainfall between 50 mm and 100 mm.
The state has also recorded above-normal rainfall during August. Between August 1 and 24, Odisha received cumulative rainfall of 327.0 mm against the normal 275.6 mm, marking an 18.6% surplus.
The cumulative rainfall from June 1 to August 24 stood at 1,083.2 mm, which is 32.1% higher than the normal rainfall of 820.2 mm for the period.
As of 9 AM on August 24, the water levels of the Baitarani river at Akhuapada and the Jalka river at Mathani were slightly above the alert level.
Several blocks across six districts have been affected by the prevailing situation. Two blocks in Balasore – Bhograi and Baliapal – have been affected. In Bhadrak, Tihidi and Chandbali are affected, while five blocks in Jajpur – Dasarathpur, Bari, Rasulpur, Binjharpur and Jajpur — have also been affected.
In Kendrapara, the affected blocks are Aali, Rajnagar, Rajkanika, Pattamundai and Kendrapara. Five blocks in Kalahandi – Thuamul Rampur, Jaipatna, Kalampur, Kokasara and Junagarh – are also affected. Kotpad block in Koraput has been affected.
Relief camps have been established in various districts to assist people affected by the rainfall and flooding.
To strengthen rescue and relief operations in flood-affected and waterlogged areas, 67 teams from the Odisha Disaster Rapid Action Force (ODRAF), National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and Fire & Emergency Services have been deployed. The deployment includes 15 ODRAF teams, eight NDRF teams and 44 Fire & Emergency Services teams.
The government has released Rs 170.30 crore in phases from the State Disaster Response Fund (SDRF) for managing relief camps and undertaking other emergency response measures.
The affected districts have also received 1,562.81 metric tonnes of cattle feed as part of relief measures.
District administrations have been advised to closely monitor the possibility of localised waterlogging, accumulation of water in low-lying areas and closure of underpasses in urban areas. They have also been asked to remain alert to possible damage to kutcha roads and weak infrastructure, landslides, gardens and standing crops.
People have been advised to take shelter in safe places during lightning and continue monitoring weather updates.
Fishermen have been warned against venturing into the sea along the Odisha coast and nearby waters until August 24.
The SEOC is coordinating with all District Emergency Operation Centres and monitoring the situation around the clock. The state government and district administrations remain prepared to respond to any emerging situation and protect life and property.
