Heavy rainfall across Odisha has pushed the flood death toll to eight, with more than 4 lakh people suffering as overflowing rivers continue to overflow villages and disrupt normal life. Read on to know more about it.
Odisha Flood Death Toll Rises To 8
As per a report by the Hindustan Times, rescue and relief efforts remain in progress in several districts, while schools have been shut in the most affected areas. According to the state’s latest status report, floodwaters have impacted hundreds of villages across Odisha. Keonjhar district accounted for five deaths, including a fire services personnel who was electrocuted while on duty. One person each also died in Dhenkanal, Deogarh and Sambalpur in separate flood-related incidents, including wall collapses.
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As a precautionary measure, the state government ordered the closure of government and private schools, along with Anganwadi centres, in Bhadrak, Jajpur, Nabarangpur and Kalahandi districts on Thursday.
IMD Issues Fresh Alert Amid Heavy Rains
Flood conditions remain severe in Bhadrak district, where the Baitarani and Salandi rivers continue to flow above the danger mark. Rising waters have flooded several villages in the Bhandaripokhari and Dhamnagar blocks, closing off road connectivity and disrupting transport.
Emergency teams have saved dozens of stranded residents from flood-hit areas. In Nuapada, fire services personnel evacuated 27 people, including women and children, who were stuck near the Birighat river. In Balangir, the Odisha Disaster Rapid Action Force (ODRAF) evacuated 13 people trapped for nearly 10 hours on an island-like patch in the Undar river after rising water levels surrounded them.
Also Read: September Rainfall Set To Exceed 109% Of Normal In India; IMD Warns Of Flash Floods & Landslides
While rainfall intensity has eased slightly, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) has warned that flood risks remain. The weather agency has forecast heavy to very heavy rainfall in four districts and issued a yellow alert for 18 districts, predicting thunderstorms, lightning and rain over the next 24 hours.
Authorities have advised residents in vulnerable areas to remain alert as rescue operations continue and water levels are closely monitored.
Cover Image Courtesy: X/Debiprasad
FAQs
What is the capital of Odisha state?
The capital of Odisha is Bhubaneswar, a planned city known for its rich history and numerous ancient places of worship.