Bhubaneswar, 24 August (H.S.) : The State Government is maintaining constant vigil over the rainfall and flood situation arising from the low-pressure system over the State. As per the situation report received up to 11:00 AM on August 24, 2026, the overall situation is being monitored round the clock by the State Emergency Operation Centre (SEOC). The situation remains under control at present.

According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), the low-pressure area formed over north coastal Odisha and adjoining areas now lies over Gangetic West Bengal and adjoining north Odisha. It is likely to move northwestwards during the next 24 hours.

Heavy to very heavy rainfall is likely at one or two places over Sundaragada, Jharsuguda, Baragada, Sambalpur, Subarnapur and Boudh districts. Thunderstorm accompanied by lightning and gusty winds reaching 40–50 kmph is also likely over these districts.

Heavy rainfall is also likely in Baleshwar, Debagada, Anugola, Kendujhar, Mayurbhanj, Nuapada, Balangir, Kalahandi, Kandhamala, Nabarangpur, Rayagada, Koraput, Malkangiri, Gajapati, Ganjam & Nayagarh districts.

During the last 24 hours, the State recorded an average rainfall of 32.9 mm. The highest rainfall of 169.4 mm was recorded in Joda Block of Keonjhar district. More than 100 mm of rainfall was recorded at 8 blocks and one urban area (ULB) , while rainfall between 50 mm and 100 mm was recorded at 73 blocks and 6 stations in 4 ULBs.

From August 1 to August 24, the State received cumulative rainfall of 327.0 mm, which is 18.6 per cent above the normal rainfall of 275.6 mm. Similarly, cumulative rainfall from June 1 to August 24 stood at 1,083.2 mm, which is 32.1 per cent above normal.

As of 9:00 AM today, the water level of the Baitarani River at Akhuapada and the Jalaka River at Mathani was slightly above the warning level.

At present, 2 blocks in Balasore (Bhogarai and Baliapal), 3 blocks in Bhadrak (Tihidi and Chandabali), 5 blocks in Jajpur (Dasarathpur, Bari, Rasulpur, Binjharpur and Jajpur), 5 blocks in Kendrapada (Aali, Rajnagar, Rajkanika, Pattamundai and Kendrapada), 5 blocks in Kalahandi (Thuamul Rampur, Jayapatana, Kalampur, Koksara and Junagada) & 1 block in Koraput (Kotpad) have been affected. Assistance is being provided to affected people through relief camps in various districts.

To further strengthen rescue and relief operations in flood- and waterlogging-affected areas, a total of 67 teams of ODRAF, NDRF and Fire & Emergency Services have been deployed. These include 15 ODRAF teams, 8 NDRF teams and 44 Fire & Emergency Services teams.

For management of relief camps and other emergency response activities, a total of ₹170.30 crore has been released in phases from the State Disaster Response Fund (SDRF). In addition, a total of 1,562.81 metric tonnes of cattle feed has been supplied to the affected districts.

District administrations have been advised to maintain close vigil over possible localised waterlogging, inundation of low-lying areas, closure of underpasses in urban areas, damage to kutcha roads and vulnerable structures, landslides & damage to orchards and standing crops. People have also been advised to take shelter at safe places during lightning and remain updated with weather advisories.

Fishermen have been advised not to venture into the sea along and off the Odisha coast and adjoining sea areas until August 24, 2026.

The State Emergency Operation Centre (SEOC) is maintaining round-the-clock coordination with all District Emergency Operation Centres (DEOCs) and closely monitoring the situation. The State Government has ensured that the administration remains fully prepared to deal with any eventuality and to safeguard the lives and property of the people.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Monalisa Panda