Red alert issued for 4 districts of Odisha as disaster response forces for deep depression

Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi directed all departments to work in proper coordination to ensure zero casualties. File | Photo credit: ANI

The Odisha government on Wednesday (September 23, 2026) deployed disaster response forces in southern and western districts of Odisha as heavy rain under the influence of a deep depression triggered waterlogging and landslides at some places.

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

Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi, after reviewing the situation caused by the heavy rain, directed all departments to work in proper coordination to ensure zero casualties.

“Officials have been asked to evacuate people from waterlogged areas to safer places and provide them with appropriate assistance,” Mr. Majhi said. Although there is no possibility of a cyclone, the administration has been alerted to maintain the highest level of preparedness and take all precautionary measures. More than 3,500 people were evacuated to a safer place.

“A total of 33 units of the Odisha Disaster Rapid Action Force have been deployed in various 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. Besides, nine teams of the government’s ODRAF unit have been kept in Gan Chha reserve.

Baleshwar district recorded the highest rainfall of 126.4 mm in the last 24 hours that ended at 8.30 am on Wednesday. It was followed by Paralakhemundi with 119.4 mm and Koraput (116.4 mm). The state experienced widespread rain during the day. South Odisha’s Berhampur town witnessed waterlogging due to heavy rain. (EOM)

Published – 24 Sep 2026 04:50 IST