Bhubaneswar: Odisha Revenue Minister Suresh Pujari on Thursday said that around 6 lakh people across five districts have been affected by the current flood situation, with Jajpur, Bhadrak, and Balasore being the worst hit, followed by Mayurbhanj and Kendujhar.
The Minister informed that the state government has already shifted 1.65 lakh people to safer locations and set up 464 relief camps where basic facilities are being provided. People remaining in waterlogged areas are being supplied with dry food packets. He appealed to residents in low-lying areas to move to relief centres without delay.
Pujari instructed all district collectors to ensure that every affected person receives proper care and relief materials.
The Revenue Minister further stated that after several days of continuous heavy rainfall, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) has predicted a temporary relief, with no major rainfall likely in the state over the next three days. He added that the flood situation is expected to improve gradually during this period.
He directed officials to prepare detailed damage assessment reports within three days of floodwater receding, asking them to conduct surveys with a humane approach and without worrying about the extent of losses.
“Human life is most precious. Do not worry about assessing damage at this moment,” the Minister emphasised, adding that no one should be left out of government assistance. He also directed collectors to persuade people in vulnerable pockets to shift to safer places and ensure protection of their homes with police deployment.
The Minister further asked officials to provide quality food, drinking water, healthcare, and security in all relief camps, with special attention to children and the elderly.
Special instructions were issued to prevent snakebite incidents by keeping adequate anti-venom stocks and deploying doctors in flood-affected areas. Families returning from relief centres will be provided tarpaulins and other essential materials.
The Revenue Minister made it clear that all possible steps must be taken on a war footing to safeguard human lives and provide timely relief to the affected population.
