Odisha Floods: 9.4 Lakh Affected, More Rain Predicted as Rivers Rise
The flood situation in several northern districts of Odisha remained serious on Tuesday, August 18, 2026, with rivers flowing above danger levels after a depression brought heavy rainfall over the past 24 hours. Official data from the Special Relief Commissioner (SRC) showed that around 9.40 lakh people are affected across the region, with major rivers like Baitarani and Brahmani causing flooding in Jajpur, Bhadrak and Kendrapara districts.
Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi, who visited marooned villages in Jajpur and Bhadrak, chaired a high-level review meeting to discuss the situation. He said 3.30 lakh people have been evacuated so far and assured that all necessary measures would be taken for their safety. Teams have been deployed to carry out rescue operations and provide relief materials.
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) said the depression, which was earlier over the northwest Bay of Bengal, has moved over Jharkhand and adjoining northern parts of Gangetic West Bengal. However, very heavy rainfall may persist in parts of Odisha on Tuesday.
The IMD has issued an 'orange warning' for heavy to very heavy rainfall in Sundergarh, Jharsuguda and Baragada districts, and a 'yellow warning' for Sambalpur, Deogarh, Keonjhar, Subarnapur and Bolangir. Thunderstorms accompanied by lightning and gusty winds reaching 30-40 kmph are also likely over these areas. Fishermen have been advised not to venture into the sea on August 18 as sea conditions are expected to be rough along the Odisha coast.
The SRC office reported that Bahalda in Mayurbhanj district received 273 mm of rainfall in the past 24 hours, followed by Rairangpur with 207 mm and Balasore with 93.1 mm.
Dillip Kumar Rout, Engineer-in-Chief of the Water Resources Department, said the water level in the Baitarani and Brahmani rivers, which caused floods in Jajpur, Bhadrak and Kendrapara districts, is currently static. But it is likely to swell due to heavy rainfall in Sundergarh and Jharsuguda districts.
Similarly, there is a possibility of a rise in the water level of the Subarnarekha river due to heavy rainfall in its upper catchment areas in Jharkhand. This could inundate several blocks like Basta, Baliapal and Jaleswar in Balasore district. "The excess flood water discharged by Jharkhand is likely to reach Balasore on Wednesday," Mr. Rout said.
He ruled out the possibility of a flood in the Mahanadi river system. Experts estimate that around four lakh cusec of water is likely to flow at Mundali near Cuttack after discharge of water through 10 gates at Hirakud dam. The present water level at Hirakud stands at 619.97 feet against the full reservoir level of 630 feet.
The state government has ramped up relief and rescue operations in affected areas. A total of 45 teams of the Odisha Disaster Rapid Action Force (ODRAF), eight teams of the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and 53 fire service units have been deployed. Officials said efforts are on to ensure timely assistance and evacuation of people in vulnerable areas.
The IMD has advised people in vulnerable areas to remain cautious and follow safety instructions. The state government has asked district administrations to stay alert and monitor river levels regularly.
