Bhubaneswar, Jul 28: With incessant rainfall continuing across Odisha, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecast heavy to very heavy rainfall over northern and western parts of the state for the next two days. An Orange Warning has been issued for Bargarh, Sambalpur, Sundargarh, and Jharsuguda for the next 24 hours, while 12 other districts remain under a Yellow Alert.

In view of the worsening weather conditions, district administrations have declared the closure of all schools and Anganwadi centres in Balasore, Bhadrak, Mayurbhanj, Keonjhar, Sambalpur, and Boudh to ensure the safety of students and staff.

Heavy rainfall in the upper catchment areas of Chhattisgarh has also led to a sharp rise in the water level of the Mahanadi and several other rivers, including the Baitarani, Brahmani, Subarnarekha, Budhabalanga, and Salandi. The Hirakud Reservoir is receiving a massive inflow of water, while increasing discharge at Mundali has heightened fears of flooding in low-lying areas downstream.

To tackle any flood situation, Revenue and Disaster Management Minister Suresh Pujari and the Special Relief Commissioner (SRC) have directed all district administrations to remain on 24-hour alert. Collectors of flood-prone districts, officials of the Water Resources Department, and other administrative authorities have been instructed to closely monitor the situation and keep emergency response systems ready.

Meanwhile, Balasore has been witnessing relentless rainfall under the influence of the deep depression. The district recorded 246.6 mm of rainfall by 8:30 a.m., leading to severe waterlogging across major roads and residential areas. Rising water levels in the Budhabalanga River have further increased the threat of flooding in vulnerable pockets, prompting authorities to suspend classes across the district.

The situation is equally grim in Keonjhar, where continuous rainfall has disrupted normal life. Floodwaters flowing nearly five feet above the bridge over the Tel River at Kumulabahal under Saharapada block have snapped road connectivity between Saharapada in Keonjhar and Thakurmunda in Mayurbhanj. Water has also submerged the Paitamjamunda road, affecting transportation in the region.

The Kanjhari Reservoir in Keonjhar has also witnessed a significant rise in its water level. Authorities have opened two gates of the reservoir to release excess floodwater as the reservoir continues to remain close to its danger level. Officials are maintaining constant surveillance as heavy rainfall is expected to continue over the next 48 hours, raising concerns of further flooding in several parts of the state.