Red warning alert issued for 4 Odisha districs as disaster response forces in place for deep depression

Odishagovernment on Wednesday (September 23, 2026) positioned its disaster response forces in southern and western Odisha districts as heavy rain under the influence of a deep depression triggered water-logging and land slide at some places.

The India Meteorological Department issued heavy rain for four districts such as Kalahandi, Nabarangpur, Koraput and Malkangiri as the deep depression over west-central and adjoining northwest Bay of Bengal moved slowly and was expected to cross north Andhra Pradesh and South Odisha coasts close to Kalingapatnam on Wednesday night (September 23).

Reviewing the situation arising out of heavy rain, Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi instructed all departments to work in proper coordination and ensure zero casualty.

“Officials were asked to evacuate people from waterlogged areas to safer locations and provide them with appropriate relief,” said Mr. Majhi. Although there is no possibility of a cyclone, the administration was alerted to maintain the highest level of preparedness and take all precautionary measures. More than 3500 people have been evacuated to safer place.

“A total of 33 Odisha Disaster Rapid Action Force units have been deployed in different districts to deal with the situation. Six teams have been deployed in Ganjam, three in Gajapati, six in Koraput, three in Malkangiri, three in Rayagada, two in Kalahandi and one in Balangir. In addition, nine teams of the ODRAF unit at Chhatrapur in Ganjam have been kept in reserve,” government sources said.

Baleshwar district received highest 126.4 mm rainfall during past 24 hours ending at 8.30 am on Wednesday. It was followed by Paralakhemundi with 119.4 mm and Koraput (116.4 mm). The State recorded widespread rain during the day. Southern Odisha town of Berhampur witnessed water-logging due to heavy rain. (EOM)