Odisha authorities moved 110,000 people to safer locations in 13 flood‑affected districts as a deep depression slammed the eastern coast on September 23, forcing an unprecedented mass evacuation.
The storm dumped 457.9 % excess rainfall, a stark spike that triggered the opening of 28 gates of the Hirakud Dam as water levels rose. In Balasore alone, 67,266 residents were relocated from low‑lying areas, and over 500 relief centres were established.
Uttar Pradesh, which recorded 543.8 % excess rainfall, suffered 56 deaths and 46 injuries, with more than 1,000 houses damaged. Chhattisgarh and Uttarakhand saw 498 % and 399.9 % excess rainfall, respectively, while Delhi experienced its second‑lowest September minimum temperature, dropping to 21 °C on September 27.
With the depression now heading toward central and northern India, officials warn of rising water levels and potential further evacuations. The next phase involves monitoring the Hirakud Dam gates and preparing relief operations for downstream states.