Odisha floods: Heavy rains and rising rivers trigger red alert

Odisha is experiencing severe flooding and heavy rainfall following a well-marked low-pressure area in the Bay of Bengal that is expected to intensify into a depression. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a red warning for the state, forecasting extremely heavy rainfall.

Multiple districts, including Baleshwar, Mayurbhanj, Bhadrak, Jajpur, and Kendhujhar, have been heavily impacted. Rivers such as the Baitarani, Jalaka, and Budhabalanga have crossed danger levels, causing water to inundate low-lying areas, residential neighborhoods, and major roads. In Kendhujhar, breaches in embankments have led to flooding in several blocks, while Baleshwar has seen significant waterlogging in its town and railway stations.

Authorities have initiated evacuations in 45 gram panchayats, moving residents to relief centers. Rescue operations are being conducted by the Odisha Disaster Response Force (ODRF), the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), and fire services. In response to the weather conditions, educational institutions in Mayurbhanj have been closed, and fishermen have been advised to stay ashore due to rough sea conditions.