Full Breakdown
Deep-Depression Rainfall Swamps Odisha: Floods, Landslides and Mass Evacuations
By Drooid · · How we work
Core Event
A deep depression that made landfall on the Andhra Pradesh coast on the night of September 23–24, 2026 moved inland and unleashed torrential rain across southern and coastal Odisha on September 25, 2026. The deluge pushed rivers above danger levels, triggered landslides, flooded roads and rail lines, forced school closures and prompted the evacuation of thousands of residents to relief centres.
Background & Context
The system originated as a depression over the Bay of Bengal, intensified on September 22, 2026, and was forecast to strengthen before crossing the north-Andhra-Pradesh–south-Odisha coast. Odisha had already endured two flood episodes earlier in the monsoon season, heightening vulnerability in low-lying and landslide-prone areas.
Timeline
- September 22, 2026 – Heavy rain forces school closures and cancellation of government-employee leave in several districts.
- September 23, 2026 – Disaster response forces positioned as rain intensifies.
- September 23–24, 2026 – System crosses near Kalingapatnam; winds of 55–65 km/h with gusts to 75 km/h recorded.
- September 24, 2026 – Schools close in multiple districts; landslides block NH-16 and railway tracks.
- September 25, 2026 – Rainfall peaks; at least 24 locations record >100 mm in 24 hours, prompting further evacuations and road-clearance operations.
Data & Statistics
- Rainfall totals: Tentulikhunti (Nabarangpur) 395 mm, Nandahandi 344 mm, Boriguma (Koraput) 307.8 mm.
- Evacuations: Reports range from ?10,000 people moved to 200 relief centres, 8,082 evacuated by noon on September 24, and 5,000 in earlier accounts.
- Response assets: 33 ODRAF units deployed, supplemented by >300 fire-service teams and district rescue crews.
- Infrastructure impacts: Landslides damaged a 200-m guard wall at Kalinga Ghat (Kandhamal), collapsed a 132 kV transmission tower (Koraput), and flooded sections of NH-326 (Malkangiri).
Why It Matters
The extreme rainfall, swollen rivers and landslides disrupted transport, threatened agricultural lands and raised the risk of water-borne diseases. No casualties were reported, but the scale of displacement and damage highlights Odisha’s vulnerability to rapid-onset hydrometeorological events.
Official Statements & Responses
- Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi directed a “zero casualty” mission, ordering evacuations from water-logged zones and readiness of shelters.
- “We have evacuated 8,082 people by Thursday noon, and the process is continuing. The district collectors have been asked to shift people from vulnerable water-logging areas.” — Suresh Pujari, disaster management minister
- Chief Secretary Anu Garg placed collectors of 11 districts on high alert and ordered continuous river-level monitoring.
On-the-Ground Reports
Landslides at Kalinga Ghat demolished nearly 200 m of a guard wall, while boulders fell onto NH-16 at Bada Ghati. In Rayagada, uprooted trees blocked roads and washed out railway tracks, halting train services. Residents rescued a car swept away in Mayurbhanj. ODRAF and fire-service teams used boats to reach stranded communities and clear debris.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
- Evacuation numbers differ: state officials cite ?10,000 moved, the minister’s statement specifies 8,082 evacuated by noon on September 24, and earlier reports mention 5,000.
- River danger levels: some sources list the Jalaka and Budhabalanga rivers as having crossed danger marks, while others note only rising levels.
What’s Next
The IMD forecasts continued heavy to very heavy rain across Odisha through September 26, 2026, with isolated spots expecting >200 mm. Red alerts remain in effect for Koraput, Nabarangpur, Kalahandi and Malkangiri; orange and yellow alerts cover additional districts. Authorities have warned fishermen to avoid the sea until at least September 25 and have kept disaster-response teams on standby for further evacuations or rescue operations.