Odisha Floods: Over 7 Lakh Affected Across 20 Districts, Rescue Operations Underway

Bhubaneswar: More than seven lakh people across 20 of Odisha’s 30 districts have been affected by floods and heavy rainfall triggered by a deep depression that formed over the state and neighbouring Chhattisgarh on July 28, 2026. The situation has prompted large-scale rescue and relief operations, with authorities reporting that three deaths have occurred, though verification through post-mortem examinations is pending.

The primary cause of the flooding in the Mahanadi and Brahmani river systems has been identified as a massive surplus in rainfall during July. According to the office of the Special Relief Commissioner, cumulative rainfall in the state from July 1 to July 30 stood at 644.1 mm against the normal average of 327.4 mm, registering an excess of 96.7 per cent. This exceptionally heavy precipitation overwhelmed river channels and led to inundation in low-lying areas.

In the 24 hours ending at 8.30 a.m. on July 30, the state recorded an average rainfall of 20.3 mm. The highest rainfall of 164 mm was reported in Sinapali block of Nuapada district. As many as 12 blocks received more than 100 mm of rainfall, while another 26 blocks recorded rainfall between 50 mm and 100 mm, the Special Relief Commissioner’s office said.

Odisha’s Revenue and Disaster Management Minister Suresh Pujari conducted an aerial review of the affected regions. He stated that the situation is under control, though officials are closely monitoring embankments and river water levels. The government has received reports of three deaths, which will be confirmed after post-mortem examinations, according to an official statement.

Bhadrak is the worst-affected district, with an estimated 4,00,000 people impacted. The administration has opened 234 relief camps in the district, accommodating more than 1,00,000 people. Balasore and Jajpur are the next most affected districts, with affected populations estimated at 1,46,504 and 1,37,010 respectively. In total, 136 response teams, including units of the Odisha Disaster Rapid Action Force, have been deployed across the state for rescue and evacuation operations.

In one notable rescue, eight people who were stranded on the roof of a poultry farmhouse amid rising floodwaters near Birighat village under Khariar block of Nuapada district were safely evacuated by disaster response personnel. The situation may worsen in some areas, as officials have reported that embankments have been breached at different locations, leading to fresh inundation.

The Special Relief Commissioner’s office has warned that a medium-level flood is expected in the Mahanadi river system, as its upper catchment has received heavy rainfall over the past 24 hours. This could affect additional areas downstream, and district administrations have been put on alert.

The state government has initiated comprehensive relief measures, including the distribution of food, drinking water, and medical supplies in affected areas. Health teams have been deployed to prevent waterborne diseases, which often follow such flooding. Community kitchens have been set up in many relief camps to ensure that evacuated families receive cooked meals.

Odisha is no stranger to severe weather events, and the state has developed a robust disaster management framework over the years. However, the sheer scale of this year’s July rainfall, which exceeded normal levels by nearly double, has tested the capacity of local authorities. Farmers in the affected districts are likely to face significant losses, as standing crops in many areas have been submerged. The government has not yet announced a detailed damage assessment, but a comprehensive survey is expected once floodwaters recede.

Meanwhile, meteorological officials have advised that although the deep depression has weakened, isolated heavy rainfall may continue in some districts over the next 24 to 48 hours. Residents in vulnerable areas have been urged to cooperate with evacuation orders and move to safer locations. The district administrations have been instructed to ensure that no one remains in dangerous zones, particularly along riverbanks and near breached embankments.

The situation underscores the importance of climate-resilient infrastructure and early warning systems, which have helped reduce casualties compared to similar events in the past. While three deaths have been reported, the swift response by state agencies has prevented a larger loss of life. Officials continue to monitor river levels and weather forecasts to manage the evolving situation.