Daijiworld Media Network - Bhubaneswar

Bhubaneswar, Aug 26: The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a red alert for Odisha, forecasting heavy to extremely heavy rainfall in multiple districts following the formation of a fresh low-pressure area over the Bay of Bengal, just off the state’s coast. The weather system is expected to intensify over the next 48 hours and move in a west-northwest direction, potentially worsening the already challenging flood situation in various regions.

In Balasore district, floodwaters from the overflowing Subarnarekha River have submerged hundreds of villages across Baliapal, Bhograi, Basta, and Jaleswar blocks. Similarly, around 45 villages in Jajpur district remain underwater due to the swelling Baitarani River. In Bhadrak district, residents in Bhandaripokhari and Dhamnagar blocks are facing severe difficulties as floodwaters continue to disrupt daily life.

Officials said the situation has marginally improved compared to Monday, though significant challenges remain. The Dasarathpur block in Jajpur has been hit particularly hard, with a 30-foot breach in the Kani River embankment near Kaspa panchayat causing widespread inundation. Relief operations are ongoing, and more than 5,000 residents have been relocated to temporary shelters where they are receiving food and medical support, according to Revenue and Disaster Management Minister Suresh Pujari. He confirmed plans to visit the affected areas personally to assess the damage and oversee response measures.

Meanwhile, the IMD has predicted thunderstorms with lightning and gusty winds of 30–40 km/h, particularly in the southern districts of Koraput and Malkangiri. Heavy rainfall is likely to persist across the state for the next four to five days, raising concerns about further flooding and disruption.