Odisha Revenue and Disaster Management Minister Suresh Pujari on Friday, 25 September said that widespread rainfall triggered by a deep depression has caused extensive damage to crops, roads, and communication infrastructure across several districts of Odisha, while the situation is expected to return to normalcy within the next 48 hours. Approximately 15,000 people have been evacuated to relief centres as massive restoration work continues across the state.

Weather System Movement and Forecast

The deep depression, which brought heavy rainfall to southern Odisha — particularly in the undivided Koraput district covering Koraput, Rayagada, Malkangiri, and Nabarangpur — has weakened and is moving towards Chhattisgarh through the districts of Kalahandi, Balangir, and Baragada. Minister Pujari stated that the intensity of rainfall is gradually decreasing, with significantly lower precipitation expected in the next 24 hours compared to the previous day. However, scattered heavy rainfall remains likely over Jharsuguda, Sambalpur, Sonepur, Boudh, and Sundaragada during the same period.

Road Closures, Landslides, and Disruptions

In Malkangiri, floodwaters have inundated two roads, including a stretch of the National Highway, forcing their closure. Arrangements have been made for stranded travellers, and the roads are expected to reopen once water levels recede. Several landslides have been reported in Gajapati district, while a major landslide at Kalinga Ghati in Kandhamal district has forced the closure of the affected road for an indefinite period. A diversion route has been provided, and vehicular movement is continuing via the alternative road.

Rivers Above Danger Mark

Water levels in several rivers have risen above the danger mark following the deep depression-induced downpours. At Akhuapada in Bhadrak, the Baitarani river is flowing at 18.79 metres, above both the danger level of 18.33 metres and the warning level of 17.83 metres. Similarly, the Jalaka river at Mithali is at 6.78 metres against a danger level of 6.5 metres. The Water Resources Department has indicated that river levels are expected to gradually recede.

Agricultural Damage and Relief Operations

The rainfall has caused extensive agricultural damage across multiple districts, affecting thousands of acres of crops. Maize crops in Koraput and Nabarangpur are among those severely hit. Fire Services personnel are currently engaged in clearing fallen trees and branches from roads, while people from vulnerable areas have been moved to safety. The minister confirmed that around 15,000 people are currently sheltered at relief centres.

Abnormal Rainfall Season

Minister Pujari drew attention to the extraordinary scale of rainfall Odisha has received this monsoon season. 'If you combine all four months (June, July, August and September), the normal rainfall is 1,100 mm. But so far, we have received 1,450 mm. This is more than 31 per cent above normal rainfall. Therefore, such abnormal rainfall has perhaps never occurred in Odisha in the past,' he said. This cumulative excess underscores the scale of the challenge the state has faced throughout the 2025 monsoon season, with back-to-back weather events straining relief infrastructure. Restoration efforts are underway, and authorities are monitoring the situation closely as the system moves further inland.