Odisha flooding intensified across Ganjam, Gajapati and Kandhamal districts after the remnants of cyclone Arnab brought exceptionally heavy rain, with Patrapur recording 546 mm in the 24 hours ending at 8.30 am on Thursday, according to India Meteorological Department sources cited by the Times of India.
The rainfall disrupted daily life across Ganjam and Gajapati, snapped communication links at several locations and caused flooding in several rivers. Rainwater also entered houses in different parts of Berhampur, highlighting the immediate impact on homes and local urban services.
The heaviest rainfall was recorded in Ganjam. After Patrapur, Sorada received 503 mm, while Sanakhemundi recorded 388 mm, Chikiti 309.2 mm, Rangelunda 261 mm, Digapahandi 252 mm, Madhabarida 211.8 mm and Kukudakhandi 209 mm. The district also recorded very heavy rainfall in Dharakote, Hinjili, Aska, Bhanjanagar, Berhampur, Belaguntha and Gopalpur.
The rainfall was not confined to Ganjam. G Udayagiri in Kandhamal received 462.4 mm, followed by Raikia with 384.8 mm, K Nuagaon with 240.8 mm and Phiringia with 216 mm. In Gajapati, Mahendragarh recorded 458.8 mm. The report said more than 200 mm of rain was recorded at 15 places across the three districts during the 24-hour period.
The rainfall followed cyclone Arnab, which made landfall in Andhra Pradesh on Wednesday. Its remnants triggered the intense downpour in southern Odisha, producing rainfall totals that overwhelmed local drainage and affected movement and communication in multiple areas, according to the report.
The reported disruption places local infrastructure under immediate pressure. Waterlogging and overflowing rivers can interrupt road access and communications, while water entering homes creates risks for residents and complicates relief and local administrative operations. The affected areas include Berhampur, a major urban centre in Ganjam, as well as smaller towns and rural settlements across the three districts.
The rainfall figures also show the uneven intensity of the event. Patrapur and Sorada each crossed 500 mm, while several other locations recorded between 200 mm and 462.4 mm. These figures were recorded over a single 24-hour period, with the IMD data covering the period up to 8.30 am on Thursday.
The immediate developments to monitor are the condition of flooded rivers, restoration of snapped communication links, access to affected settlements and the impact on homes in Berhampur and other locations. Further action will depend on local conditions as authorities respond to the post-cyclone flooding.
