The situation in southern Odisha has taken a turn for the worse, as heavy rainfall has exacerbated the flood situation in the region. The districts of Koraput and Malkangiri are particularly affected, with the deep depression leading to rising water levels and widespread inundation.
Over 1,700 people have been evacuated from low-lying areas in the affected districts and taken to various shelter centers. The Special Relief Commissioner (SRC) reported that 560 villages in Malkangiri and Koraput have been impacted by the floods. Recognizing the severity of the situation, Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi, in consultation with Revenue and Disaster Management Minister Suresh Pujhari, has appointed three senior officials to closely monitor and manage the escalating crisis.
These officials are tasked with coordinating relief efforts and ensuring the safety of the affected population. Sundhansu Sarangi, Director General of Police (Fire Services), Bishnupada Sethi, Secretary of the Social Security & Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities Department, and Charan Meena, Deputy Inspector General of Police (Southern Division), have been assigned to provide support and guidance to the district administration in Malkangiri.
The intensity of the rainfall is evident in the recorded data. The SRC office revealed that Malkangiri Block received the highest rainfall of 253 mm, while three other blocks – Malkangiri, Chitrakonda, and Khairput – recorded over 200 mm. Six blocks in Malkangiri and Koraput districts received more than 100 mm of rainfall. The heavy downpour has led to water overflowing all the bridges between Pangam and Motu Road in Malkangiri, posing significant challenges to communication and movement.
In response to the emergency, six teams of the Odisha Disaster Rapid Action Force (ODRAF) have been deployed in Malkangiri, with two additional teams engaged in rescue operations. More than 60 villagers, including two farmers, have been rescued from the floodwaters, while others remain stranded on rooftops in the Poteru area of Malkangiri.
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a red alert for several districts, including Ganjam, Kandhamal, Nayagarh, Khordha, Bolangir, Boudh, Koraput, Nabarangapur, and Puri, indicating heavy to very heavy rainfall in many areas and extremely heavy rainfall in isolated locations. These forecasts highlight the continued threat of flooding and the need for ongoing preparedness and response measures.
