Rainfall activity across Odisha is expected to decrease by Saturday, bringing gradual improvement to the flood and rain-related situation in several parts of the state, Revenue Minister Suresh Pujari said on Friday.
The Minister, however, urged people and government agencies to remain cautious for the next 24 hours, as water levels in rivers and low-lying areas may continue to remain elevated despite the expected decline in rainfall.
According to Pujari, the overall situation is likely to improve significantly by Saturday night as the impact of the weather system weakens.
Thousands Evacuated From Vulnerable Areas
As a precautionary measure, thousands of people have been shifted from vulnerable locations in three districts.
According to the Revenue Minister:
- Around 1,500 people were evacuated in Malkangiri.
- Nearly 4,000 people were shifted to safer locations in Nabarangpur.
- Around 7,000 people were evacuated in Gajapati.
The evacuation was carried out in areas considered vulnerable to flooding, landslides and other impacts associated with the heavy rainfall.
Authorities have been instructed to continue monitoring the situation and ensure that people in vulnerable areas receive necessary assistance.
Baitarani River Crosses Warning Level At Akhuapada
The Minister also provided an update on the Baitarani River, which has recorded a rise in water levels at Akhuapada.
At Anandapur, the river remained below the warning level. However, at Akhuapada, the water level had reached 18.79 metres by noon, compared with the reported warning level of 18.33 metres.
Officials are monitoring the river closely as rainfall decreases and water from upstream areas continues to flow downstream.
Heavy Rain Damages Crops And Roads
The prolonged rainfall has affected several parts of the undivided Koraput district, with agricultural fields among the areas impacted.
The Minister said maize crops have suffered extensive damage in several locations.
Fallen trees have also disrupted road connectivity in some areas, while continuous rainfall has created difficult conditions in hilly regions.
Authorities are working to clear affected roads and restore normal movement wherever possible.
Water Levels In Brahmani And Jalaka Expected To Fall
According to the Minister, water levels in the Brahmani and Jalaka rivers are expected to decline as rainfall activity reduces.
However, authorities continue to monitor rivers and other water bodies because water levels can remain high even after rainfall decreases.
People living close to rivers and other vulnerable areas have been advised to remain cautious until the situation stabilises.
Kalinga Ghat Landslide Disrupts Traffic
A major landslide has occurred at Kalinga Ghat, resulting in the closure of the affected stretch of road.
Repair work is currently underway, while authorities have opened an alternative diversion route to facilitate vehicular movement.
The administration is also carrying out restoration work on roads in other hilly parts of Koraput district that were affected by the heavy rainfall.
National Highway Blocked In Malkangiri
The heavy rainfall has also affected traffic movement in Malkangiri, where water has reportedly been flowing over two stretches of the National Highway.
The affected highway has been closed from both sides as a safety precaution.
Authorities have made arrangements for passengers who became stranded because of the road closure. Traffic will be restored once the water level recedes to a safe level.
Pujari said the administration is monitoring the affected stretches and will reopen the highway after conditions become suitable.
Landslides Reported In Gajapati
Several landslides have also been reported in Gajapati district following the heavy rainfall.
According to the Minister, the district administration responded promptly and cleared the affected locations.
The landslide at Kalinga Ghat, however, was described as a major incident, prompting authorities to keep the affected road closed for an indefinite period while an alternative route remains available.
Authorities Remain On Alert
While the weather situation is expected to improve, the administration has stressed the need for continued vigilance during the next 24 hours.
The combination of high river levels, saturated soil and unstable slopes could continue to pose risks even after rainfall begins to decline.
Officials are therefore monitoring river levels, roads, landslide-prone locations and other vulnerable areas and are prepared to take further measures if required.
The expected reduction in rainfall by Saturday is likely to bring relief to affected districts, but authorities have advised residents to follow official advisories until the situation returns to normal.
