ODISHA RAINS TRIGGER FLOODS AND LANDSLIDES; OVER 8,000 EVACUATED

September 25, 2026

BHUBANESWAR: Heavy rain triggered by a deep depression has affected several parts of Odisha, particularly the southern districts, with floods, landslides, waterlogging and road disruptions reported across the region. Authorities had evacuated 8,082 people from vulnerable areas by Thursday noon and moved them to 203 relief camps.

Six districts — Ganjam, Gajapati, Malkangiri, Koraput, Rayagada and Nabarangpur — were reported to have been affected. Officials said 273 villages had experienced the impact of the rain, while 73 houses were reported damaged. No deaths or injuries had been reported at the time of the latest official assessment.

The rain also disrupted transport. In Malkangiri, several low-level bridges on National Highway 326 were submerged under four to five feet of water, cutting road communication with areas including Kalimela, Motu and Padia. The Kalinga Ghat road between Ganjam and Kandhamal was also closed after major landslides damaged part of the road infrastructure. Railway services in the Rayagada division were affected by landslides, leading to cancellations and changes in train operations.

The India Meteorological Department issued a red alert for Nabarangpur, forecasting more than 20 cm of rainfall, while several other districts were placed under orange and yellow alerts. Coastal areas were also warned of squally weather, with winds potentially reaching 70 kmph, and fishermen were advised not to venture into the sea.

The Odisha government deployed ministers and senior officials to affected districts to supervise relief and preparedness op