Bhubaneswar, Sept 24: Odisha is likely to remain under the grip of heavy to very heavy rainfall for the next two days as a deep depression continues to affect the state. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has warned of extremely heavy rain in Koraput, Nabarangpur, Rayagada, Ganjam, Gajapati, Kalahandi and Malkangiri, with neighbouring districts also likely to receive heavy showers.
The spell of rain is expected to continue until September 26, raising the possibility of flash floods, landslides and falling rocks, particularly in hilly areas.
Several parts of southern and coastal Odisha have already received heavy to extremely heavy rainfall over the past 24 hours. Trees have fallen and blocked roads, while landslides have disrupted communication in parts of Ganjam and Gajapati districts. Rising water levels have also been reported in the Rushikulya, Bada Nadi and Loharakhandi rivers.
In Ganjam, a landslide near Chariabada village in Patrapur block disrupted road connectivity, while a landslide was also reported on the road leading to the Taratarini temple. A bridge on a rural road in Manipur village under Dharakote block was damaged.
In Gajapati, a landslide near Pariveta village in R. Udayagiri block affected connectivity to Bastriguda panchayat and Nuagada block. In Koraput, heavy rain has damaged houses in several panchayats, while some trains have been cancelled. Rising water levels in the Upper Kolab reservoir have added to concerns, and one gate of the Telingiri dam has been opened as the water level approached the danger mark.
A wall collapse in Remuna block of Balasore district also claimed one life and left his son seriously injured.
Deep depression to move across Odisha
The deep depression crossed the Andhra Pradesh coast near Kalingapatnam, between Srikakulam and Vizianagaram, on Wednesday night. It brought heavy rain and winds of around 55–65 kmph to parts of Andhra Pradesh and southern Odisha.
The system is expected to move into Odisha through Koraput on Thursday and gradually weaken. It may pass through areas including Narayanpatna, Laxmipur and Pottangi in Koraput, followed by parts of Rayagada, Nabarangpur and Kalahandi before moving towards Chhattisgarh.
The IMD has forecast rainfall exceeding 200 mm in isolated areas of Kalahandi, Nabarangpur, Koraput and Malkangiri. Strong winds of 50–60 kmph are also possible in southern Odisha.
Rain forecast through September 27
On Thursday, most parts of Odisha are likely to receive rain. Extremely heavy rainfall is possible in Nabarangpur, while Bargarh, Nuapada, Balangir, Kalahandi, Koraput and Malkangiri may experience heavy to very heavy showers.
On Friday, extremely heavy rain is likely in Nuapada, Kalahandi, Nabarangpur, Koraput and Malkangiri, with neighbouring districts also expected to receive heavy rainfall. Winds may reach 30–50 kmph.
Rainfall is likely to ease slightly from Saturday, although heavy showers may continue in parts of western and southern Odisha. The overall wet spell is expected to persist until S
