Odisha remains on high alert as heavy rain threatens flood-hit area

Odisha remains on high alert as swollen rivers continue to threaten vast stretches of the state, even as the India Meteorological Department has forecast another spell of heavy to very heavy rainfall.

With the Mahanadi expected to witness a medium flood and several river basins under close surveillance, the administration has intensified relief and preparedness measures. Bhadrak continues to be the worst-affected district, while authorities have urged people in vulnerable areas not to leave designated relief centres.

Meanwhile, the India Meteorological Department has issued an Orange warning for Nuapada, Kalahandi, Nabarangpur and Koraput districts, forecasting heavy to very heavy rainfall today, while Yellow warnings remain in force for 18 other districts.

Educational institutions have been closed in Kalahandi, Nabarangpur and Bhadrak as a precautionary measure. The State Government has cancelled the leave of officers in eight districts to ensure uninterrupted disaster response. Authorities maintain that the overall flood situation is under control and have appealed to people in vulnerable areas to remain in designated relief centres until conditions improve.