Bhubaneswar: As heavy downpour pounded several parts of Odisha in last 24 hours, the state government stepped up close and continuous monitoring of the weather and wate levels in major rivers.
Officials said on Saturday that necessary precautionary and response measures are in place, and the overall situation remains under control at present.
Data from the Special Relief Commissioner (SRC) said the state recorded an average rainfall of 24.5 mm during the last 24 hours, with the highest rainfall of 192.0 mm recorded at Chitrakonda Block in Malkangiri District. Five blocks recorded rainfall above 100 mm, while 33 blocks recorded rainfall between 50 mm and 100 mm. The cumulative rainfall from September 1 to 12 stood at 90.2 mm against the normal average of 96.6 mm, registering a deficit of 6.6 per cent, while cumulative rainfall from June 1 to September 12 stood at 1247.5 mm against the normal average of 997.0 mm, registering a surplus of 25.1 per cent.
The low-pressure area over the Northwest-West-central Bay of Bengal and adjoining south Odisha-north Andhra Pradesh coasts is likely to become more marked and move west-north-westwards across north Coastal Andhra Pradesh and south Odisha during the next 24 hours. The IMD has forecast heavy rainfall over Nuapada, Balangir, Kalahandi, Nabarangapur and Koraput.
The SRC office said rivers across the state are currently below their respective danger levels and are being kept under close watch. The Mahanadi at Naraj stood at 22.91 m, the Brahmani at Panposh at 172.66 m, the Baitarani at Anandpur at 34.79 m, and the Jalaka at Mathani at 6.46 m. River water levels are being continuously monitored in coordination with concerned authorities.
The Hirakud reservoir level at 9 am stood at 629.10 ft, with an inflow of 63,767 cusecs, an outflow of 51,062 cusecs, and one gate open.
In Malkanagiri, four blocks—Malkanagiri, Mathili, Kalimela and Podia—are being closely monitored. ODRAF teams are positioned in Mathili and Kalimela blocks as a precautionary measure. Water is currently overflowing over Kangrukonda bridge, Pangam bridge, MV-96 bridge and Kanyashrama bridge. However, there is no rainfall at present and the overall situation in Malkangiri District remains under vigilance.
In Kalahandi, four blocks—Golamunda, Junagada, Bhabanipatana and Lanjigada—are being closely monitored, with an ODRAF team deployed to strengthen preparedness and response.
District authorities have been advised to take appropriate steps to manage any localised waterlogging, flooding of roads and closure of underpasses, particularly in urban areas. They have also been advised to remain alert to possible impacts on kutcha roads, vulnerable structures, crops, as well as any disruption to normalcy in susceptible areas.
Fishermen have also been advised not to venture into the sea along and off the Odisha Coast for the next 24 hours.
Officials said the State Emergency Operation Centre (SEOC) continues to monitor the situation 24×7 in coordination with all District Emergency Operation Centres (DEOCs).
The state government is maintaining a close watch on the evolving weather system, rainfall and river levels. Necessary preparedness and response measures remain in place, and people are advised to stay calm, remain informed through official advisories, and follow the precautionary guidance issued by the authorities.