A depression over the Bay of Bengal has triggered heavy rainfall across Odisha, raising fears of floods and landslides in several districts.
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a red alert for Keonjhar and Mayurbhanj, while ten other districts remain under orange warning.
According to the IMD, the depression, located near coastal West Bengal and adjoining Bangladesh, is expected to move west-northwest, bringing widespread heavy to very heavy rainfall over North Odisha, Gangetic West Bengal, and parts of Jharkhand through July 28.
Rivers and Dams Under Watch
The Jalaka River in Balasore breached the danger level of 6.50 meters, reaching 6.80 meters at Mathani on Friday morning. The Hirakud Dam authorities have opened 20 sluice gates to release excess floodwaters as inflows from the upper catchments continue to rise.
Statewide Preparedness
The Special Relief Commissioner (SRC) has directed district administrations to activate disaster response protocols. Fishermen have been warned not to venture into the sea, while municipal bodies have been instructed to clear drainage channels in vulnerable areas.
Infrastructure Impact
In Malkangiri, the Kanyashram bridge on the Kalimela-Padia road was submerged under three feet of water, disrupting road connectivity and isolating nearby villages. Sundargarh town reported waterlogging in residential areas like Ranibagicha and Mahadevpada, prompting emergency pumping operations.
High-Risk Districts
Apart from the red-alert districts, Bargarh, Jharsuguda, Sambalpur, Deogarh, Angul, Dhenkanal, Sundargarh, Balasore, Bhadrak, and Jajpur have been placed under orange warning. These areas may face flash floods, landslides in hilly regions, and traffic disruptions.
