Fresh rainfall resumed across Odisha on Monday under the influence of an active monsoon system, prompting the India Meteorological Department (IMD) to issue thunderstorm, lightning and heavy rainfall warnings across several parts of the state. The renewed wet spell is expected to continue for the next four days, raising fresh concerns in flood-affected districts where river levels had only recently begun to recede.
The Regional Meteorological Centre, Bhubaneswar, has placed 25 districts under a Yellow Warning for thunderstorms accompanied by lightning and gusty winds on Monday. Residents have been advised to remain alert and take necessary precautions during periods of intense weather activity.
Heavy Rain Alert for Six Districts
The weather office has also issued a heavy rainfall warning for six districts:
- Sambalpur
- Sundargarh
- Deogarh
- Angul
- Keonjhar
- Mayurbhanj
These districts are likely to receive isolated heavy rainfall over the next 24 hours, with local authorities closely monitoring the evolving weather situation.
Rain Returns After Brief Relief
The latest spell of rainfall comes after a brief improvement in weather conditions on Sunday morning, when water levels in several major rivers, including the Mahanadi, had started receding. The temporary respite allowed many residents in flood-hit areas to begin cleaning their homes and assessing the damage caused by the recent floods.
However, the return of widespread rainfall has once again heightened anxiety among people living in low-lying regions, who fear that renewed downpours could aggravate the flood situation.
Concerns Over Hirakud Dam Water Levels
Residents in flood-affected districts are particularly worried about the possibility of increased inflow into the Hirakud Dam due to rainfall in the upper catchment areas.
Any significant rise in reservoir levels could require authorities to open additional spillway gates, resulting in higher discharge into the Mahanadi River. Such a move may once again increase water levels downstream, affecting districts situated along the Mahanadi and its tributaries.
Officials continue to monitor rainfall in the catchment areas as well as reservoir levels before taking any decision regarding dam operations.
Farmers Fear Fresh Crop Losses
The renewed rainfall has also intensified concerns among farmers, especially in agricultural districts such as Jajpur and Jagatsinghpur, where vast stretches of farmland remain inundated following the recent floods.
Standing paddy crops, vegetable plantations and other agricultural fields are still submerged in several areas. Farmers fear that additional rainfall could prolong waterlogging, damage crops beyond recovery and significantly impact agricultural production during the current season.
Many cultivators have appealed for timely government assistance and crop damage assessment if the wet spell continues.
Authorities Monitoring Situation
District administrations and disaster management agencies remain on alert as the fresh monsoon activity is expected to continue over the coming days. Officials have urged residents, particularly those living in vulnerable and flood-prone areas, to remain cautious, avoid waterlogged locations during thunderstorms, and follow advisories issued by local authorities.
With Odisha continuing to experience an active phase of the southwest monsoon, weather officials are closely tracking rainfall patterns, river levels and reservoir conditions to minimise the impact of any fresh flooding.
