Kataka: The district administration on Sunday issued an emergency order following an Orange Warning issued by the India Meteorological Department (IMD), which has forecast heavy to very heavy rainfall in Kataka district until the morning of July 6, 2026 (Monday).
Acting as the District Disaster Management Authority (DDMA), the Office of the Collector and District Magistrate issued the directive under Section 34 of the Disaster Management Act, 2005, citing the likelihood of intense rainfall activity that may trigger localized flooding, waterlogging, and a rise in water levels in the Mahanadi river system and its tributaries.
As a precautionary measure, the administration ordered the closure of all educational institutions in the district, including government, aided, and private schools, colleges, and Anganwadi centres, for the day.
The order also imposed a blanket ban on swimming, bathing, and all recreational and commercial activities in the Mahanadi River and its distributaries until further notice. Authorities have directed municipal bodies and block-level officials to ensure strict public awareness through announcements and monitoring at river ghats.
Security forces and police personnel have been tasked with enforcing the restrictions and preventing public access to riverbanks and other vulnerable areas.
In addition, all major construction activities across the district have been temporarily suspended, except those linked to flood control, emergency response, and disaster mitigation work. Sand mining operations have also been halted until further orders.
The administration has cautioned that any violation of the directives will invite strict legal action under the Disaster Management Act, 2005, along with other applicable laws.
The order has come into immediate effect, with officials urging residents to remain alert and follow advisories issued by the authorities as the situation develops.
