Bhubaneswar, Sept 29: Rainfall activity across Odisha has significantly reduced, with the overall situation remaining under control as the state government continues round-the-clock monitoring and relief operations in affected areas.
According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), light to moderate rain or thundershowers are likely to occur at one or two places across all districts. A precautionary Yellow Warning has been issued for Baleshwar, Bhadrak, Jajpur, Kendrapada, Jagatsinghpur, Cuttack, Kendujhar and Mayurbhanj. No warning has currently been issued for fishermen.
Odisha recorded an average rainfall of 1.1 mm in the 24 hours ending at 8.30 am on September 29. The highest rainfall of 45 mm was recorded in Banki-Dampada block of Cuttack district, while 12 blocks received more than 10 mm. Cuttack recorded the highest district average at 9.5 mm, followed by Puri at 6.3 mm.
Despite the recent decline in rainfall, the State has recorded 316.2 mm of cumulative rainfall between September 1 and 29, compared with the normal average of 233.4 mm, marking a surplus of 35.5 per cent.
As part of its preparedness measures, 43 response teams comprising 36 ODRAF and seven NDRF teams have been deployed. Teams are positioned across vulnerable districts, including Baleshwar, Bhadrak, Koraput, Jajpur, Jagatsinghpur and Nabarangpur, while reserve teams remain stationed at Cuttack and Mundali.
District administrations have evacuated 13,221 people, while 49 relief camps are currently operational. Baleshwar has recorded the largest evacuation, with 7,452 people moved to safety, while Jajpur has evacuated 3,876 people. Evacuations have also been carried out in Sambalpur, Bargarh and Jagatsinghpur.
Baleshwar remains among the most affected districts, with 479 villages reporting impacts and an affected population of 48,560. Jajpur has reported 5,059 affected people, while Bhadrak has recorded 18,691. Relief and assistance are continuing across the affected districts.
The government has also supplied 907.04 metric tonnes of cattle feed to affected areas, including 400 MT to Baleshwar and 380.5 MT to Bhadrak.
The State Emergency Operation Centre (SEOC) is monitoring developments 24x7 in coordination with District Emergency Operation Centres. Authorities remain alert to localized flooding, waterlogging, road damage, landslides and possible damage to crops and vulnerable structures. With rainfall activity easing, the administration continues to maintain preparedness for any localized emergency and has reiterated that public safety remains the foremost priority.
