Over 67,000 Still Affected By Odisha Floods As Fresh Low Pressure Brings More Rain

More than 67,000 people in three Odisha districts remain affected by the second wave of floods, even as a fresh low pressure area has formed over the northwest Bay of Bengal, raising the risk of more heavy rain and renewed inundation in parts of the state.

The second spell of flooding, which began on August 13, has so far affected 13,50,306 people across 1,895 villages. The situation has improved in several areas, with water levels in all major rivers receding and flowing well below danger marks.

According to the Special Relief Commissioner's office, 67,961 people in 181 villages and 11 urban pockets in Kendrapara, Bhadrak and Jajpur districts remain affected and require close monitoring. Roads to most villages have been cleared, although isolated waterlogging persists. The government is operating 67 free kitchens for people staying at flood relief centres.

The India Meteorological Department said on Saturday that a fresh low pressure area has formed over the northwest Bay of Bengal and adjoining West Bengal and north Odisha coasts at 5.30 am under the influence of an upper air cyclonic circulation.

The system is expected to bring heavy to very heavy rainfall across northern, interior and coastal Odisha, with rain activity likely to continue through September 4. State authorities have stepped up preparations to tackle possible waterlogging and fresh inundation in vulnerable areas.

The IMD has issued an orange warning for Balasore, Keonjhar and Mayurbhanj, with heavy to very heavy rain likely at isolated places. On Sunday, Balasore, Bhadrak, Jagatsinghpur, Keonjhar, Kendrapara and Mayurbhanj are among the districts under an orange warning. A red warning has been issued for Mayurbhanj on Monday, with extremely heavy rain possible at isolated locations.

Odisha recorded light to moderate rainfall at several places on Friday, while heavy rain was reported in Mayurbhanj, Balasore, Koraput and Keonjhar.

The IMD has also warned of squally weather along and off the Odisha coast, with winds of 40 to 50 kmph and occasional gusts up to 60 kmph likely until August 31. Fisherfolk have been advised not to venture into the sea.