Bhubaneswar: Odisha is bracing for heavy rainfall as the State Government maintains round-the-clock monitoring of the weather and river situation, with precautionary and response measures in place across vulnerable areas.
The State recorded an average rainfall of 24.5 mm in 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 rain, while 33 blocks recorded rainfall between 50 mm and 100 mm.
From September 1 to 12, Odisha received cumulative rainfall of 90.2 mm, against the normal 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, compared with the normal 997 mm, marking a surplus of 25.1 per cent.
According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), the low-pressure area over the Northwest-Westcentral Bay of Bengal and adjoining south Odisha-north Andhra Pradesh coasts is likely to become more marked and move west-northwestwards across north Coastal Andhra Pradesh and south Odisha during the next 24 hours.
The IMD has issued a Yellow Warning for heavy rainfall at one or two places in Nuapada, Balangir, Kalahandi, Nabarangpur and Koraput districts. Thunderstorms accompanied by lightning and gusty surface winds of 30-40 kmph are also likely at isolated places in several districts.
All monitored rivers in the State remain below their respective danger levels. As of Saturday morning, the Mahanadi at Naraj was 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 Hirakud reservoir level stood at 629.10 feet at 9 am, with an inflow of 63,767 cusecs and an outflow of 51,062 cusecs. One gate was open.
In Malkangiri, four blocks—Malkangiri, Mathili, Kalimela and Podia—are being closely monitored. ODRAF teams have been deployed in Mathili and Kalimela as a precautionary measure. Water is overflowing over the Kangrukonda, Pangam, MV-96 and Kanyashrama bridges. However, there was no rainfall at the time of the report and the overall situation in the district remained under vigilance, according to reports from the Office of the Special Relief Commissioner.
In Kalahandi, Golamunda, Junagada, Bhawanipatna and Lanjigarh blocks are being monitored closely, with an ODRAF team deployed to strengthen preparedness and response, the SRC stated.
District administrations have been advised to take necessary measures to deal with localised waterlogging, flooding of roads and possible closure of underpasses, particularly in urban areas. Authorities have also been asked to remain alert to possible damage to kutcha roads and vulnerable structures, crop losses and disruption to normal life.
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 has urged people to remain calm, stay informed through official advisories and follow precautionary measures as the weather system continues to evolve.