Over 73,000 Affected As Heavy Rain Triggers Evacuations Across Odisha
What Happened
Heavy rain from a deep depression has affected more than 73,000 people across 10 districts of Odisha, according to the state government. Officials say over 40,000 people have been evacuated from low‑lying and flood‑prone areas as major rivers, including the Mahanadi, Subarnarekha, Budhabalanga and Jalaka, swell above danger levels. The Hirakud dam has opened 16 sluice gates to release excess water into the Mahanadi, while flash floods have been reported in districts such as Balasore, Bhadrak, Jajpur, Koraput and Malkangiri.
Key Takeaways
The situation underscores Odisha’s vulnerability to heavy‑rain‑driven flooding, with authorities stepping up preventive evacuations and dam water management to limit damage to people, homes and cropland as river levels remain high.