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Heavy rains caused by a deep depression have severely impacted southern Odisha, leading to the evacuation of around 2,000 people to relief camps. Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi has instructed officials to ensure sufficient relief materials are available in the affected areas. The downpour has resulted in washed-away roads, power outages, and flooding in districts such as Malkangiri, Koraput, Kandhamal, Rayagada, Gajapati, Nabarangpur, and Ganjam.
Disruption in Daily Life
Schools were closed on Tuesday in Malkangiri, Koraput, and Ganjam due to the severe weather conditions. Reports indicate that roads connecting Malkangiri to Koraput were washed away at multiple points, disrupting connectivity between Odisha and Andhra Pradesh. The chief minister reviewed the flash flood situation, particularly focusing on Malkangiri and Koraput districts.
The slow drainage of water into the Bay of Bengal has exacerbated the situation following the heavy rainfall. Coordination among various departments is crucial to assist those in distress. Rescue teams from the Odisha Disaster Rapid Action Force (ODRAF), National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), and Fire Services have been mobilised to restore normalcy.
Evacuation Efforts
Revenue and Disaster Management Minister Suresh Pujari reported that 1,787 people in Malkangiri and 56 in Koraput were evacuated to 16 relief camps due to their homes being flooded. In Koraput district alone, 176 houses collapsed due to the rain, followed by 116 houses in Malkangiri. Despite these challenges, there have been no reports of human casualties so far.
The state government had anticipated the extremely heavy rainfall as predicted by the India Meteorological Department (IMD). A total of 30 ODRAF teams have been deployed across 12 districts along with Bhubaneswar Municipal Corporation's support. Additionally, seven Fire Service teams are active in Malkangiri district.
Rescue Operations
NDRF teams are stationed in Puri, Nayagarh, Ganjam, and Cuttack districts with 80 rescue boats ready for deployment. Although BSF jawans and a helicopter were mobilised for evacuation efforts, their assistance was not required. The Special Relief Commissioner's office has directed authorities in Koraput and Malkangiri districts to arrange free kitchens for those affected by the flood-like conditions.
Rivers in the region are overflowing their banks, submerging many bridges and causing waterlogging in several villages. Meanwhile, an IMD bulletin indicated that the deep depression has weakened into a depression and moved away from Odisha. However, heavy rains are expected to continue until Wednesday.
Rainfall Statistics
A deep depression is a more intense stage of a low-pressure system that often precedes cyclonic storms. According to IMD sources, Lanjigarh in Kalahandi district recorded the highest rainfall of 231.4 mm within 24 hours until 8:30 am on Tuesday. Three blocks received over 200 mm of rainfall: Lanjigarh and M.Rampur in Kalahandi district and Dasmantpur block of Koraput district. Five other blocks experienced more than 100 mm of rainfall during this period.
The state government remains vigilant as it continues its efforts to manage this natural disaster effectively while ensuring the safety and well-being of its residents.
