Odisha floods: Three killed, over 5.5 lakh hit across five districts

Odisha remains in a critical flood situation after days of relentless rain submerged villages, roads and fields across several districts. With more than 5.5 lakh people affected and the Mahanadi still under watch, the state has intensified evacuations, relief and river monitoring.The state government has confirmed three flood-related deaths so far, while around one lakh people have been evacuated to safer locations.The flood situation in Odisha remains critical after days of incessant rainfall, with overflowing rivers inundating villages, roads and agricultural land across several districts. Dramatic incidents from different parts of the state have highlighted the severity of the crisis, including a heavy excavator being swept away by floodwaters and a youth risking his life to rescue two people stranded on a tractor in a swollen river.According to the Odisha government, five districts have been the worst affected, with more than 5.5 lakh people impacted by the floods.Special Relief Commissioner Rajesh Prabhakar Patil said continuous rainfall has affected five districts, 54 blocks, 779 gram panchayats, 1,600 villages and 14 urban local bodies. More than 5.5 lakh people across the state have been impacted.The Special Relief Commissioner said water levels in most rivers are gradually receding, except for the Mahanadi. If required, two additional gates of the Hirakud Dam may be opened to improve water management. The worst-hit districts are Balasore, Mayurbhanj, Keonjhar, Bhadrak and Jajpur. The state government has confirmed three flood-related deaths so far, while around one lakh people have been evacuated to safer locations. To support those displaced, authorities have set up 237 relief camps across the state, providing shelter, cooked food, drinking water and other essential supplies.Flooding has also severely affected agriculture, with nearly 8,837 hectares of farmland submerged, raising concerns over extensive crop damage. During the past 24 hours, Bargarh recorded the highest rainfall at 196.4 mm, followed by Balangir (178 mm), Nuapada (165 mm), Sonepur (138 mm), Sambalpur (134.8 mm) and Boudh (127 mm).The Odisha government has placed all district administrations on high alert. Relief and rescue teams continue to operate in the affected areas, while officials have urged residents to avoid unnecessary travel, stay away from floodwaters and strictly follow safety advisories. Authorities are closely monitoring the situation and have assured that additional resources will be deployed if needed.- EndsPublished By: Nitish SinghPublished On: Jul 30, 2026 01:30 IST