Odisha Faces Fresh Floods as Rivers Swell After Heavy Rainfall
Fresh floods have impacted five districts in Odisha following two days of heavy rainfall. Authorities are evacuating residents from low-lying areas and establishing relief centers as river levels rise.
Key takeaways
- Heavy rainfall has caused fresh floods in five districts of Odisha: Balasore, Mayurbhanj, Bhadrak, Jajpur, and Keonjhar.
- Authorities are evacuating residents from low-lying areas to relief centers and deploying rescue teams.
- The India Meteorological Department issued a 'red warning' for very heavy to extremely heavy rainfall across the state.
- Rivers such as Jalaka, Budhabalanga, Baitarani, and Subarnarekha have seen rising water levels, impacting several localities.
What Happened
Odisha is experiencing fresh floods in at least five districts due to two days of heavy rainfall. The affected districts include Balasore, Mayurbhanj, Bhadrak, Jajpur, and Keonjhar. This has led to the evacuation of residents from vulnerable villages to relief centers, where food is being provided.
The swelling of rivers such as Jalaka, Budhabalanga, and Subarnarekha has caused floods in areas like Balasore town and the Basta and Bhograi regions. The Subarnarekha River has also shown a rise in water levels, prompting authorities to issue warnings. In Keonjhar district, increased water levels in the Baitarani River have led to floods impacting Joda, Champua, Barbil, and Anandapur blocks. The Anandapur ring embankment experienced a breach, allowing floodwater to enter localities and flow over a state highway near Serenda.
In Balasore district, approximately 90 villages across 17 panchayats in Basta block are affected by floodwaters from the Jalaka River. This river was reported to be flowing above its danger level. The Budhabalanga River has also crossed its warning level, leading to the relocation of about 3,000 people from at-risk areas. In Mayurbhanj district, floodwater from the Budhabalanga has entered low-lying areas of Baripada municipality, necessitating evacuations. Traffic was disrupted in Rasgovindpur block as water covered a bridge, and roads were affected in the Baripada-Amarda area.
Why It Matters
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) issued a “red warning” for very heavy to extremely heavy rainfall across Odisha, indicating a high risk of severe weather. This alert was prompted by a well-marked low-pressure area over the Bay of Bengal. The IMD advised fishermen to avoid the North Bay of Bengal and coastal areas until August 14.
Key Facts
- At least five districts in Odisha have been affected by fresh floods following two days of heavy rainfall.
- The affected districts are Balasore, Mayurbhanj, Bhadrak, Jajpur, and Keonjhar.
- Residents from 45 gram panchayats in Balasore, Mayurbhanj, Bhadrak, and Jajpur districts are being evacuated to relief centers.
- Rescue operations involve at least 17 teams, including 10 from ODRAF and 7 from NDRF, deployed in Balasore, Mayurbhanj, Jajpur, and Bhadrak.
- The Jalaka River in Balasore was flowing at 7.4 meters against a danger level of 6.5 meters.
- The Budhabalanga River has crossed its warning level.
- The IMD issued a “red warning” for very heavy to extremely heavy rainfall across Odisha.
- The highest rainfall recorded was 236mm at Bhograi in Balasore district.
- All educational institutions in Mayurbhanj district were declared closed on August 13, 2026.
Background
This event is occurring within the context of a monsoon season in India. A low-pressure system in the Bay of Bengal intensified, moving northwestwards and impacting Odisha, West Bengal, Chhattisgarh, and Jharkhand. The IMD categorized the risk with a “red warning,” signifying the need for immediate action and preparedness.
Sources reviewed
Project Chintan independently synthesized and analyzed information cross-checked across the sources listed above.
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