KatherinSteger at 05:59, 18 March 2026

2026-03-18T05:59:43Z

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{{Short description|Natural disasters in India}}
{{Infobox flood
| name = 2022 Odisha Floods
| image =
| image_size =
| alt =
| caption =Flood prone areas of the [[Mahanadi River Delta|Mahanadi River Basin]], Odisha.
| duration = {{Start date|2022|8|14|df=yes}} to {{End date|2022|9|7|df=yes}}
| affected =
| cause =
| fatalities = 7
| damages = ~ [[Indian rupee|₹]]126 crore (~[[United States dollar|$]]15,390,200)
| Human Displacement =
}}

The '''2022 Odisha floods''' were a series of floods in [[Odisha]], which lasted from 14 August 2022 to 7 September 2022.<ref name="[1]">{{cite web |title=Odisha flood affects 4.67 lakh people in 12 districts. |url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/other-states/odisha-flood-affects-467-lakh-people-in-12-districts/article65780367.ece |website=www.thehindu.com |access-date=16 May 2023 |date=18 August 2022 }}</ref>

The main causes for the floods were the extensive rains which were started from the 3rd week of August 2022, because of the formation of 3 [[Low-pressure area|depression]] systems over the [[Bay of Bengal]] in that month and the [[Monsoon|Monsoon rains]].<ref>{{cite web |title=Amid Flood Situation In Odisha, Swollen Mahanadi River Becomes Tourist Spot for Some |url=https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/amid-flood-situation-in-odisha-swollen-mahanadi-river-becomes-tourist-spot-for-some-3262797 |website=www.ndtv.com |access-date=16 May 2023 |date=17 August 2022}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |author1=The Weather Channel (India) Team. |title=Heavy Rains to Plague Odisha, West Bengal and Bihar Until August 21; Flood Situation in Odisha Remains Grim. |url=https://weather.com/en-IN/india/monsoon/news/2022-08-17-heavy-rains-over-odisha-west-bengal-and-bihar-until-august-21 |website=weather.com |publisher=The Weather Channel |access-date=10 June 2023 |language=English |date=17 August 2022}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |author1=Vikash Sharma |title=Southwest monsoon: 7 low pressure systems triggered rainfall in Odisha. |url=https://odishatv.in/news/weather/southwest-monsoon-7-low-pressure-systems-triggered-rainfall-in-odisha-189000 |website=odishatv.in |access-date=10 June 2023 |language=English |date=28 October 2022}}</ref>

In total twelve districts, [[Khordha district|Khordha]], [[Cuttack district|Cuttack]], [[Jagatsinghpur district|Jagatsinghpur]], [[Kendrapara district|Kendrapara]], [[Puri district|Puri]], [[Balasore district|Balasore]], [[Mayurbhanj district|Mayurbhanj]], [[Subarnapur district|Subarnapur (Sonepur)]], [[Bargarh district|Bargarh]], [[Angul district|Angul]], [[Boudh district|Boudh]] and [[Sambalpur district|Sambalpur]], were primarily affected by the floods.<ref>{{cite web |title=Odisha floods: Over 250,000 people across 10 districts affected. |url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/cities/others/odisha-floods-over-250000-people-across-10-districts-affected-101660711778730.html |website=www.hindustantimes.com |access-date=16 May 2023 |date=17 August 2022}}</ref>

The long term causes for the floods in [[Odisha]] are the extensive [[erosion]], unpredictable rainfall, improper maintenance of [[Embankment (earthworks)|river embankments]], excessive building of dams on the rivers and aperiodic release of river water from the dams.{{cn|date=October 2024}}

==Impact==

On 14 August 2022, the [[India Meteorological Department]] (IMD) issued a "Red Alert" of heavy, very heavy, and extreme rainfall for seven districts in Odisha due to the new forming [[Low-pressure area|Depression]] in the Bay of Bengal.<ref name="[5]">{{cite web |title="Deep depression to cross Odisha, West Bengal coasts." |url=https://www.newindianexpress.com/galleries/nation/2022/aug/19/in-photos--deep-depression-to-cross-odisha-west-bengal-coasts-103330.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230316123256/https://www.newindianexpress.com/galleries/nation/2022/aug/19/in-photos--deep-depression-to-cross-odisha-west-bengal-coasts-103330.html |url-status=dead |archive-date=March 16, 2023 |website=www.newindianexpress.com |access-date=16 May 2023 |date=19 August 2022}}</ref> After that, extensive rainfall started across many areas of the state, causing the water in the [[Mahanadi]] river system to flow at danger levels.<ref name="[6]">{{cite web |title="Odisha floods: CM stresses on zero casualty as water level rises in Mahanadi river. " |url=https://www.livemint.com/news/india/odisha-floods-cm-stresses-on-zero-casualty-as-water-level-rises-in-mahanadi-river-11660644646016.html |website=www.livemint.com |access-date=16 May 2023 |date=16 August 2022}}</ref>

Meanwhile, the dams in [[Chhattisgarh]] and [[Jharkhand]] were opened due to which the water present in the [[Hirakud Dam]] Reservoir started overflowing. Therefore, the Hirakud Dam Authority opened 40 gates to release the excess water from the reservoir.<ref name="[7]">{{cite web |title="Authorities open 40 gates at Hirakud to release excess flood water." |url=https://odishatv.in/news/miscellaneous/odisha-flood-update-hirakud-to-release-floodwater-through-40-gates-183250 |website=odishatv.in |access-date=17 May 2023 |date=16 August 2022}}</ref> Due to the sudden release of floodwater from the dam, 100 houses in [[Sambalpur]] located near to the river got submerged in the floodwater.<ref name="[9]">{{cite web |title="Around 100 Houses Submerged In Sambalpur As Water Released from Hirakud Dam ." |url=https://www.india.com/news/india/odisha-rains-around-100-houses-submerged-in-sambalpur-as-water-released-from-hirakud-dam-photos-5572154/ |website=www.india.com |access-date=17 May 2023 |date=14 August 2022}}</ref>

The water released from the dam increased the water levels and the flow rate of the Mahanadi river system. In addition to the monsoon rains, the situation of the [[Mahanadi]], [[Brahmani River|Brahmani]], [[Baitarani River|Baitarani]] River Systems and other rivers in the state worsened.<ref name="[10]">{{cite web |title=Amid Flood Situation In Odisha, Swollen Mahanadi River Becomes Tourist Spot for Some. |url=https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/amid-flood-situation-in-odisha-swollen-mahanadi-river-becomes-tourist-spot-for-some-3262797 |website=www.ndtv.com |access-date=17 May 2023 |date=17 August 2022}}</ref>

On 17 August 2022, the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) issued a "Yellow Alert" of heavy rainfall for 20 districts and an "Orange Alert" of very heavy rainfall for 17 districts. IMD warned the state government of a new forming [[Low-pressure area|depression]] over the Bay of Bengal and advised fishermen not to venture into the sea for fishing, as the winds were blowing at 45–55 km/h.<ref>{{cite web |title=IMD predicts heavy rain in Odisha due to depression, Puri, other areas flooded |url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/imd-predicts-heavy-rain-in-odisha-due-to-depression-puri-other-areas-flooded-101660917794261.html |website=www.hindustantimes.com |access-date=17 May 2023 |date=19 August 2022}}</ref>

The low-lying districts in the [[Mahanadi River Delta|Mahanadi River Basin]] - Jagatsinghpur, Cuttack, Khordha, Puri and Kendrapara - were flooded with 12 lakh [[cusec]] of water, which flowed through these areas on the night of 19 August 2022.<ref name="[11]">{{cite web |title=Odisha's flood situation grim, next 36 hours crucial, says Government. |url=https://www.newindianexpress.com/states/odisha/2022/aug/17/odishas-flood-situation-grim-next-36-hours-crucial-says-government-2488323.html |website=www.newindianexpress.com |access-date=17 May 2023 |date=17 August 2022}}</ref>

In Jharkhand, the 16 gates of the [[Galudih]] Barrage were opened and released 6 lakh cusec of water. Due to this, excess water flowed into the [[Subarnarekha River]] and flowed further into the Northern districts of Odisha like [[Balasore district|Balasore]] and [[Mayurbhanj district|Mayurbhanj]] and flooded these areas.<ref name="[12]">{{cite web |title=Now Jharkhand adds to Odisha floods, opens barrage to make Subarnarekha swell. |url=https://odishatv.in/news/miscellaneous/chhattisgarh-adds-more-to-odisha-floods-opens-barrage-to-make-subarnarekha-swell-183592 |website=odishatv.in |access-date=17 May 2023 |date=20 August 2022}}</ref><ref name="[13]">{{cite web |title=Odisha expecting massive flood in Balasore district. |url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/other-states/odisha-expecting-massive-flood-in-balasore-district/article65793831.ece |website=www.thehindu.com |access-date=17 May 2023 |date=21 August 2022}}</ref>

Heavy rains also occurred in [[Bhubaneswar]], causing low-lying areas of the city like Sundarpada to get submerged by the rainwater; many drains, roads and old houses were damaged.<ref name="[14]">{{cite web |date=17 August 2022 |title=Bhubaneswar low-lying areas got flooded with rainwater. |url=https://odishabytes.com/watch-odisha-flood-this-is-sundarpada-locality-in-bhubaneswar/ |access-date=17 May 2023 |website=odishabytes.com}}</ref>

Due to the floods, over 1.2 lakh [[hectares]] of cropland were destroyed or damaged, leading to huge losses for farmers. The most affected croplands were in the Puri, Kendrapara, Jagatsinghpur, Cuttack, Boudh and Sonepur districts.<ref name="[15]">{{cite web |title=Odisha Flood: Crops in over 1.20 lakh hectares damaged. |url=https://odishatv.in/news/miscellaneous/odisha-flood-crops-in-over-1-20-lakh-hectares-damaged-184337 |website=odishatv.in |access-date=17 May 2023 |date=30 August 2022}}</ref>

==Aftermath==
[[File:Indian Navy team commences flood relief operations at Puri, Odisha 2022 - 01.jpg|thumb|right| [[Indian Navy |Indian Navy Service]] (INS) Chilka distributing food to the people who were sheltered in relief centers.]]In total around one million people from 1,757 villages were affected, 126,000 hectares of crop land was damaged, 250,000 people were marooned, seven killed, over 14,000 houses were damaged and destroyed by the floods, 440 relief centers were established and ₹126 crore of [[public property]] got damaged and destroyed.<ref name="[16]">{{cite web |title=Rs 126 crore public assets damaged in Odisha floods. |url=https://www.newindianexpress.com/states/odisha/2022/sep/08/rs-126-cr-public-assets-damaged-in-odisha-floods-2496025.html |website=www.newindianexpress.com |access-date=17 May 2023 |date= 8 September 2022}}</ref><ref name="[17]">{{cite web |title=5 kids among seven dead in Odisha rain. |url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/5-kids-among-seven-dead-in-odisha-rain-101661019591942.html |website=www.hindustantimes.com |access-date=17 May 2023 |date=20 August 2022}}</ref><ref name="[18]">{{cite web |title=Flood Situation Worsens In North Odisha, nearly 10 Lakh affected. |url=https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/flood-situation-grim-in-north-odisha-more-rainfall-likely-in-balasore-3277254 |website=www.ndtv.com |access-date=17 May 2023 |date=23 August 2022}}</ref>

Due to the crop damage, prices of affected vegetables increased noticeably and supply chains were affected.<ref name="[19]">{{cite web |title=Vegetable prices soar in Bhubaneswar amid Odisha flood. |url=https://www.indiatvnews.com/news/india/vegetable-prices-soar-in-bhubaneswar-amid-odisha-flood-2022-08-20-801563 |website=www.indiatvnews.com |access-date=17 May 2023 |date=20 August 2022}}</ref>

Over 900 cases of [[diarrhea]] and 88 cases of snakebite were reported from the flood-hit districts.<ref name="[20]">{{cite web |title=Floods in Odisha lead to spurt in diarrhea, waterborne diseases. |url=https://www.telegraphindia.com/india/floods-in-odisha-lead-to-spurt-in-diarrhoea-waterborne-diseases/cid/1882645 |website=www.telegraphindia.com |access-date=17 May 2023 |date=26 August 2022}}</ref>

Several diarrhea cases were reported, as many people were forced to drink flood water as they didn't have access to any freshwater resource.<ref name="[21]">{{cite web |date=26 August 2022 |title=People forced to drink flood water in marooned Odisha villages. |url=https://www.newindianexpress.com/galleries/nation/2022/aug/26/in-pics-people-forced-to-drink-flood-waterin-marooned-odisha-villages-103335.html |access-date=17 May 2023 |website=www.newindianexpress.com}}</ref>

On 18 August 2022, Odisha Chief Minister [[Naveen Patnaik]] conducted an [[aerial survey]] over the Jagatsinghpur, Kendrapara and Puri districts, and later announced a 15-day relief for the Jagatsinghpur, Kendrapara, Khordha, Puri and Cuttack districts and 7-day relief to Sambalpur, Bargarh, Boudh, Sonepur and Angul districts.<ref>{{cite web |title=Naveen Patnaik conducts aerial survey of flood-affected Odisha districts. |url=https://www.aninews.in/news/national/general-news/naveen-patnaik-conducts-aerial-survey-of-flood-affected-odisha-districts20220818233023/ |website=www.aninews.in |access-date=17 May 2023 |date=18 August 2022}}</ref><ref name="[22]">{{cite web |title=Odisha declares 15-day relief for flood-hit population in five coastal districts. |url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/other-states/odisha-declares-15-day-relief-for-flood-hit-population-in-five-coastal-districts/article65784674.ece |website=www.thehindu.com |access-date=17 May 2023 |date=19 August 2022}}</ref>

The [[Government of Odisha|Odisha Government]] later dispatched financial aid of ₹128.8 crore to restore the damaged and destroyed public properties and to conduct relief operations in the flood-hit areas.<ref name="[23]">{{cite web |title=Odisha Flood Damage Assessment: Govt Approves Rs 128.58 Cr Assistance for Affected. |url=https://pragativadi.com/odisha-flood-damage-assessment-govt-approves-rs-128-58-cr-assistance-for-affected/ |website=pragativadi.com |date=7 September 2022 |access-date=17 May 2023}}</ref>

To conduct relief operations, 11 teams of [[National Disaster Response Force]] (NDRF), 12 teams of [[Odisha Disaster Rapid Action Force]] (ODRF) and 52 teams of Odisha Fire Services were arranged in the flood-hit Districts.<ref name="[24]">{{cite web |title=Odisha floods: Rescue operations launched in Balasore and Mayurbhanj districts. |url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/odisha-floods-rescue-operations-launched-in-balasore-and-mayurbhanj-districts-101661124697339.html |website=www.hindustantimes.com |access-date=17 May 2023 |date=22 August 2022}}</ref>

== References ==
{{reflist}}

[[Category:2022 disasters in India]]
[[Category:Floods in India]]

2022 Odisha floods-262113 - Revision history

KatherinSteger at 05:59, 18 March 2026