BHUBANESWAR: The Odisha government on Tuesday said the overall flood situation in the state remains under control, even as flooding continues to affect parts of Bhadrak, Jajpur and Kendrapada districts.
Officials, citing information from the India Meteorological Department (IMD), said the low‑pressure area over Gangetic West Bengal and adjoining Jharkhand and north Odisha remains active and is likely to move northwestwards through Jharkhand and north Odisha in the next 24 hours.
During the last 24 hours, the state recorded an average rainfall of 17.5 mm. Barkot block in Debagada district recorded the highest rainfall at 162.2 mm. Four blocks recorded more than 100 mm, while nine blocks and one urban local body recorded between 50 and 100 mm.
From August 1 to August 25, Odisha received cumulative rainfall of 344.4 mm against the normal 287.1 mm, which is 20 per cent above normal.
Similarly, from June 1 to August 25, cumulative rainfall stood at 1,100.6 mm against the normal 831.5 mm, which is 32.4 per cent above normal. At present, more than one lakh people in Bhadrak, Jajpur and Kendrapada districts continue to be affected by floods.
Officials added that heavy rainfall has also impacted areas of Keonjhar, Nabarangpur and Koraput districts. In Nabarangpur, nine blocks have been affected, and 1,622 people have been evacuated to relief camps. In Koraput, 660 people have been evacuated.
A total of 79 rescue teams have been deployed, including 28 ODRAF teams, one NDRF team and 50 Fire Services and Emergency Services teams.
District administrations have been advised to remain prepared to deal with emerging situations, address waterlogging and localised flooding in low‑lying areas, monitor road and underpass conditions, and remain alert to possible damage to vulnerable structures and kutcha roads.
