Odisha prepares for heavy rain: CM directs swift action for 17 districts

Bhubaneswar(26/09/2025): To tackle the potential threat from a low-pressure system over the Bay of Bengal, Chief Minister of Odisha Mohan Charan Majhi held a high-level review meeting with the District Collectors of 17 districts on Friday. ​According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), the low-pressure system is expected to severely impact Koraput, Malkangiri, and Kalahandi.

In addition, a warning has been issued for 14 other districts, including Nabarangpur, Nuapada, Bolangir, Rayagada, Gajapati, Kandhamal, Ganjam, Nayagarh, Puri, Khordha, Dhenkanal, Cuttack, Jagatsinghpur, and Kendrapara. ​ ​During the virtual meeting, the Chief Minister directed the district administrations to ensure a swift and effective response. ​The CM said all district and block-level 24/7 control rooms must be fully operational, with regular updates on the situation.

Instructing the officials to prepare for urban waterlogging by having drainage engineers and equipment on standby, the CM said, "A close watch must be kept on weak spots in river and canal embankments. ​ODRAF (Odisha Disaster Rapid Action Force) and Fire Service units are to be on high alert and strategically deployed in low-lying and flood-prone areas. ​Given the potential for landslides in hilly areas, field staff in those regions, especially Malkangiri, must be prepared to respond.

Multi-purpose flood and cyclone shelters have been prepared with food and essential supplies.

Authorities are ready to relocate people from low-lying areas and provide cooked meals as needed.

Adequate stocks of medicines, including anti-snake venom, as well as cattle and animal feed, have also been secured." ​The Chief Minister expressed confidence in Odisha's proven disaster management capabilities, which have earned the state national recognition.