Odisha Evacuates 140,000 as Mahanadi River Flooding Threat Grows

New Delhi, September 29, 2026 : Indian authorities reported on Tuesday the evacuation of at least 140,000 people from low-lying areas in the eastern state of Odisha to safe shelters, in anticipation of a new wave of flooding as water levels in the Mahanadi River continue to rise.

Odisha's Minister of Revenue and Disaster Management, Suresh Pujari, announced that the state government had evacuated 140,000 people from low-lying regions.

Officials said the Mahanadi River, which flows through densely populated coastal areas, experienced "minor flooding" following the release of excess water from the Hirakud Dam.

The development forms part of a broader, severe seasonal flood crisis affecting various parts of India. The state of Kerala has historically suffered devastating floods caused by heavy monsoon rains and landslides in its mountainous areas — a pattern repeating this year, alongside simultaneous flood waves in states such as Assam and Gujarat. This has placed sustained pressure on infrastructure and disaster management systems, as authorities work to avoid a repeat of the losses seen in previous years. 

Source: QNA