Odisha is grappling with an intensifying monsoon crisis as a deep depression over the Bay of Bengal continues to bring heavy rainfall across the state. The India Meteorological Department has forecast heavy to very heavy rainfall till the 30th of this month in Mayurbhanj, Keonjhar, Balasore, Bhadrak, Jajpur, Deogarh, Angul, Dhenkanal, Subarnapur, Boudh, Nuapada and Balangir. Several districts have reported fresh flooding, waterlogging, crop damage and losses to infrastructure.
In Bhadrak district, the swelling Kansabansa and Gamei rivers have triggered a fresh flood situation in Basudevpur, where a second wave of floodwaters has inundated low-lying areas even before the first flood receded. Flood-like conditions continue in seven gram panchayats of the district, while extensive crop losses have been reported from Subarnapur. Rising waters of the Mahanadi have entered the historic Bhattarika Temple premises in Cuttack district. The State Government has strengthened preparedness and response measures, placing district administrations on round-the-clock alert to tackle the situation. Chairing a high-level review meeting, Revenue and Disaster Management Minister Suresh Pujari directed all district administrations to maintain round-the-clock vigilance and ensure swift relief and response measures as the State remains on heightened alert.
