Bhubaneswar: A cyclonic circulation near North Odisha coast and adjoining Gangetic West Bengal triggered continuous rainfall across coastal Odisha, with the twin cities of Bhubaneswar and Kataka bearing the brunt of heavy overnight downpours that disrupted normal life and caused widespread waterlogging.
According to hyperlocal measurements from Zomato Automated Weather Stations, severe downpours battered several localities across Bhubaneswar in the 12-hour period ending at 7 am on August 6. Madhusudan Nagar logged the highest rainfall in the city at 107.0 mm, followed closely by Nayapalli with 97.2 mm. High precipitation figures were also recorded in Jagmohan Nagar (90.4 mm), Lakshmi Sagar (90.0 mm), and Sahid Nagar (83.2 mm). Other prominent areas reported significant accumulation, including Khandagiri at 73.2 mm, Kharabela Nagar at 59.4 mm, Chandrasekharpur at 50.2 mm, and Patia at 34.6 mm.
As of 5:30 am, 97.2 mm of rainfall was recorded in the city.
The intense overnight showers, which began intensifying around midnight, left low-lying parts of the capital submerged and roads across both Bhubaneswar and Kataka slippery and waterlogged, severely impeding daily commuting and public movement. The situation proved particularly difficult in Shantipalli Basti in Saheed Nagar area, where overflowing rainwater and drain runoff flooded around 20 homes, submerging household belongings and causing significant distress to residents.
Notably, Odisha has been experiencing a wet spell with the IMD having forecast continued rainfall activity and issued alerts for heavy to very heavy rain in several districts till August 11, following earlier flooding concerns in parts of the state. Local authorities have urged citizens to exercise caution, avoid flooded stretches and remain alert as the persistent rain shows no immediate signs of easing over the twin cities and coastal regions.