North Odisha floods: 1.25 lakh people affected; schools closed in 10 districts; situation grim
The IMD has forecast heavy to very heavy rainfall at several places in Odisha over the next 24 hours
On Wednesday, July 29, 2026, north Odisha faced a grim flood situation, with more than 1.25 lakh people affected across five districts, according to officials. Intense rainfall, fueled by a deep depression, caused major rivers to swell and inundate villages. Schools and anganwadi centers in 10 districts were ordered to remain closed due to the situation.
The Budhabalanga and Jalaka rivers flooded several villages in Balasore district, while the Baitarani, Budha, and Salandi rivers overwhelmed areas in Bhadrak and Jajpur districts. The Water Resources Department reported that all major rivers in the region were flowing above danger levels. District administrations intensified evacuation efforts, relocating around 50,000 people from low-lying areas to relief centers, where food was being provided.
Rescue and relief operations were conducted by teams from the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), Odisha Disaster Rapid Action Force (ODRAF), and Fire Services. Three senior IAS officers were also deployed to the worst-affected districts of Balasore, Bhadrak, and Jajpur to supervise flood management and coordinate relief measures.
The India Meteorological Department forecasted heavy to very heavy rainfall across Odisha in the next 24 hours.
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