Bhubaneswar, 12 September (H.S.): Odisha remained on alert on Saturday as several parts of the State received heavy rainfall over the past 24 hours, prompting authorities to maintain round-the-clock monitoring of the weather and river situation.

The State Government said necessary precautionary and response measures have been put in place and the overall situation remains under control.

Odisha recorded an average rainfall of 24.5 mm during the last 24 hours, with the highest rainfall of 192 mm reported from Chitrakonda Block in Malkangiri district. Five blocks received more than 100 mm of rainfall, while 33 blocks recorded rainfall between 50 mm and 100 mm.

From September 1 to September 12, the State received 90.2 mm of rainfall against the normal average of 96.6 mm, registering a deficit of 6.6 per cent. However, cumulative rainfall from June 1 to September 12 stood at 1,247.5 mm against the normal average of 997 mm, reflecting a surplus of 25.1 per cent.

A low-pressure area over the northwest-westcentral Bay of Bengal and adjoining south Odisha-north Andhra Pradesh coast is likely to become more marked and move west-northwestwards across north coastal Andhra Pradesh and south Odisha during the next 24 hours.

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a Yellow Warning for Nuapada, Balangir, Kalahandi, Nabarangpur and Koraput, forecasting heavy rainfall at one or two places.

Thunderstorms accompanied by lightning and gusty surface winds of 30–40 kmph are also likely at one or two places in Baleshwar, Sundargarh, Keonjhar, Mayurbhanj, Nuapada, Balangir, Kalahandi, Kandhamal, Nabarangpur, Rayagada, Koraput, Malkangiri, Gajapati and Ganjam districts.

All monitored rivers across Odisha are currently flowing below their respective danger levels, with authorities maintaining close surveillance.

As of Saturday morning, the Mahanadi at Naraj stood at 22.91 metres, the Brahmani at Panposh at 172.66 metres, the Baitarani at Anandpur at 34.79 metres and the Jalaka at Mathani at 6.46 metres.

The river levels are being continuously monitored in coordination with the concerned authorities.

The Hirakud reservoir level stood at 629.10 feet at 9 am on Saturday. The reservoir recorded an inflow of 63,767 cusecs and an outflow of 51,062 cusecs, with one gate open.

According to the Office of the Special Relief Commissioner, four blocks in Malkangiri district—Malkangiri, Mathili, Kalimela and Podia—are being closely monitored.

ODRAF teams have been deployed in Mathili and Kalimela as a precautionary measure. Water is currently overflowing over Kangrukonda, Pangam, MV-96 and Kanyashrama bridges.

However, there was no rainfall in the district at the time of the report, and the overall situation in Malkangiri remains under close watch.

In Kalahandi district, Golamunda, Junagada, Bhawanipatna and Lanjigarh blocks are being closely monitored. An ODRAF team has been deployed to strengthen preparedness and response measures.

District administrations have been advised to take necessary measures to deal with localised waterlogging, road inundation and closure of underpasses, particularly in urban areas.

Authorities have also been asked to remain alert to possible damage to kutcha roads, vulnerable structures and crops, as well as any disruption to normal life in vulnerable areas.

Fishermen have been advised not to venture into the sea along and off the Odisha coast for the next 24 hours.

The State Emergency Operation Centre (SEOC) is monitoring the situation 24×7 in coordination with District Emergency Operation Centres (DEOCs).

The State Government continues to closely monitor the evolving weather system, rainfall and river levels. People have been advised to remain calm, stay updated through official advisories and follow precautionary instructions issued by the authorities.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Monalisa Panda