Odisha flood situation grim as water level of many rivers rising, IMD forecasts more rains

Odisha’s flood situation worsened on August 18, 2026, as heavy rains caused many rivers to rise. Officials said 9.40 lakh people got affected, while the government evacuated 3.30 lakh residents. The IMD issued warnings for more rain, as Engineer-in-Chief Dillip Kumar Rout said, "The excess flood water is likely to reach Balasore."