Odisha remains in the grip of an intense monsoonal onslaught as a deep depression over Bay of Bengal continues to batter the state with torrential rain and escalating flood risks.

 

The India Meteorological Department has forecast widespread rainfall with isolated extremely heavy showers over the coming days, prompting heightened vigilance across the state. Educational institutions have been shut in five districts, while rivers are in spate and disaster response agencies remain on high alert.

 

Odisha is witnessing an unabated spell of torrential monsoon rainfall under the influence of a deep depression over the northwest Bay of Bengal and the adjoining West Bengal-North Odisha coast. The India Meteorological Department has forecast widespread rainfall, accompanied by isolated heavy to very heavy showers across the state till the second of next month. As a precautionary measure, all government and private schools have remained closed today in Balasore, Bhadrak, Mayurbhanj, Keonjhar and Sambalpur districts.

 

Baleshwar town recorded an extraordinary 246.6 millimetres of rainfall during the past twenty-four hours, inundating residential localities and severely disrupting normal life. The Jalaka River has crossed the danger mark, while the swelling Kansa Bansa and Gamei rivers have triggered a fresh wave of flooding in Bhadrak district, marooning several villages. The State Government has directed district administrations to maintain round-the-clock vigilance as rescue and relief agencies remain fully prepared for any eventuality.