Rain fury in Odisha triggers flood fear; schools closed, 10,000 people evacuated

Heavy rainfall in Odisha led to flooding fears, with schools shuttered and 10,000 residents evacuated from low-lying areas. On September 25, 2026, a deep depression made landfall in Andhra Pradesh before entering Odisha, bringing torrential rain. Tentulikhunti recorded the highest rainfall at 395 mm, while Nandahandi and Boriguma in Koraput district saw 344 mm and 307.8 mm respectively.

The disaster affected six southern districts and parts of western and coastal regions, including Bhubaneswar. Jalaka and Budhabalanga rivers in Balasore, and Baitarani and Kani rivers in Jajpur crossed their danger marks, threatening further flooding. Odisha has already experienced two rounds of flooding since the monsoon season began.

The state government relocated 10,000 people to relief centers, while 33 Odisha Disaster Rapid Action Force teams and 300 Fire Service personnel worked to clear blocked roads due to uprooted trees and landslides. The India Meteorological Department noted the system had weakened but remained active in Odisha's Nuapada district, threatening to continue moving north-northwest and weaken further over the next 24 hours.

Landslides caused significant damage, including a 200-meter section of a guard wall falling at Kalinga Ghat in Kandhamal and uprooted trees blocking roads in Rayagada.