A deep depression that formed over the Bay of Bengal and moved along the Andhra Pradesh coastline has caused extraordinary rainfall in southern Odisha, resulting in widespread flooding.

In the last 24 hours, heavy rainfall has severely disrupted daily life in undivided Koraput and nearby areas, displacing thousands and causing major rivers to overflow.

Extensive Inundation and Record Rainfall

This severe weather event has impacted 10 districts, 56 blocks, 272 gram panchayats, and 857 villages. As reported by the Department of Revenue and Disaster Management:

• Tentulikhunti in Nabarangpur district experienced the highest rainfall in the state, with 395 mm recorded.
• Other significantly affected locations include Nandahandi (344 mm), Borigumma (307.8 mm), Kotpad (272 mm), Similiguda (267 mm), and Jeypore (258.2 mm).
• Approximately 18,466 people have been directly affected, with 14,479 evacuated to safer locations.
• More than 404 houses have sustained partial or total damage, and six villages in Gajapati, Nabarangpur, and Malkangiri are completely isolated.

Relief Operations and Rescue Efforts

In response, state officials have implemented urgent emergency measures. Disaster management teams have set up 2,061 free relief kitchens, serving over 14,000 impacted residents with cooked meals. Additionally, emergency supplies, including 433 polythene sheets, have been distributed to those displaced.

To address the crisis, 34 rescue teams, consisting of 33 units from the Odisha Disaster Rapid Action Force (ODRAF) and one unit from the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), have been deployed in vulnerable areas such as Ganjam, Koraput, Gajapati, Malkangiri, Rayagada, Kalahandi, and Balangir.

River Systems and Flood Monitoring

With ongoing rains in the catchment areas, water levels in major southern rivers have increased significantly:

• Indravati Dam: Five sluice gates have been opened to manage excess floodwater.
• Baitarani & Jalaka: The Baitarani River at Anandapur and Akhuapada, along with the Jalaka River at Mathani Road Bridge, have exceeded their danger levels.
• Budhabalanga & Vamsadhara: Water levels at Govindpur (NH-5) and Kasinagar are near or above danger levels, although the Vamsadhara River is currently receding.
• Mahanadi & Brahmani Basins: River systems in these basins are reported to be below danger levels, with no immediate risk of major flooding.

System Movement and Weather Outlook

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) and the Regional Meteorological Centre have reported that the deep depression is moving north-northwest at a speed of 13 km/h toward North Chhattisgarh. As of the evening of September 25, the system was located near Bilaspur and Champa.

It is anticipated to continue its path across North Chhattisgarh and Northeast Madhya Pradesh towards Southeast Uttar Pradesh, gradually weakening into a well-marked low-pressure area within the next 12 hours. Continuous monitoring is being conducted through Doppler Weather Radars situated at Sambalpur and Raipur.

While rainfall intensity in South Odisha is expected to decrease over the next day, officials have issued alerts for northern districts, including Sundargarh, Jharsuguda, and Baragarh. State authorities and the Special Relief Commissioner (SRC) are on high alert, advising residents in low-lying areas to take necessary precautions.