Heavy to very heavy rain continues in several parts of Odisha under the influence of a deep depression over north coastal Andhra Pradesh and adjoining south Odisha. The system has triggered waterlogging, road disruptions and a flood-like situation in vulnerable areas, while the state government has intensified relief and evacuation measures. The IMD has forecast extremely heavy rain today, followed by very heavy rainfall in parts of Odisha tomorrow and day after tomorrow.
The deep depression has affected six districts, Koraput, Gajapati, Malkangiri, Ganjam, Nabarangpur and Rayagada, with 37 blocks, 127 gram panchayats and 273 villages reporting impacts. Five urban areas covering 20 wards have also been affected. The State Government has said 8,082 people have been shifted to safer locations from vulnerable areas. Malkangiri has reported water flowing over roads and bridges, while landslides have disrupted connectivity. In Ganjam, a large rock fell on NH-16 at Bada Ghati, affecting traffic between Bhubaneswar and Berhampur.
The government has activated round-the-clock control rooms, deployed Odisha Disaster Rapid Action Force, NDRF and Fire Services teams and arranged relief supplies. Schools and Anganwadi centres in Gajapati, Nabarangpur and Kalahandi will remain closed tomorrow as a precaution. The Indian Meteorological Department has warned of extremely heavy rain today and very heavy rain tomorrow and day after tomorrow, with heavy rain likely in several districts. Prakash Dash for Akashvani News, Bhubaneswar.
