Seven lakh people affected by floods in 20 out of 30 districts in Odisha

More than 7 lakh people in 20 districts of Odisha were affected by floods and heavy rains due to the deep depression weather system that formed over Odisha and Chhattisgarh on July 28, 2026.

The main reason attributed to floods in Mahanadi and Brahmani rivers is the 96.7% excess of cumulative rainfall recorded in July.

“Cumulative rainfall in the state between July 1 and July 30, 2026 stood at 644.1 mm against the normal average of 327.4 mm, recording an excess of 96.7%,” the Special Relief Commissioner’s office said.

The average rainfall recorded in the state during 24 hours ending 8.30 am on July 30, 2026 was 20.3 mm. The highest rainfall of 164 mm was recorded in Sinapali block of Nuapada district. While more than 100 mm of precipitation was seen in 12 blocks, between 50 mm and 100 mm of precipitation was recorded in 26 blocks.

Odisha’s Revenue and Disaster Management Minister Suresh Pujari conducted an aerial survey of the flood-affected areas. Mr Pujari said the situation was under control.

According to the official statement, the government has received reports of three deaths, which will be confirmed by autopsy examinations.

Bhadrak was the worst affected district with over 4 lakh people estimated to be affected. The government has opened 234 relief camps in Bhadrak district to accommodate more than 1 lakh people. Balasore and Jajpur districts have affected populations estimated at 1,46,504 and 1,37,010 respectively.

As many as 136 response teams have been deployed across the state to conduct rescue operations.

Eight people who were trapped on the roof of a poultry farm house due to rising flood waters near Birighat village under Khariar block of Nuapada district were safely rescued by the Odisha Disaster Emergency Response Force. The situation may worsen as some embankments have been reported to have been breached in different places.

The Special Relief Commissioner’s office said moderate flooding is expected in the Mahanadi river system due to heavy rainfall in the last 24 hours.