Bhubaneswar: Floods triggered by incessant rainfall have affected 44 blocks, 243 gram panchayats and 748 villages across Odisha, with five districts bearing the brunt of the deluge, prompting the state government to intensify rescue, relief and restoration measures on a war footing.
The flood situation was reviewed at a high-level meeting chaired by Revenue and Disaster Management Minister Suresh Pujari, along with Chief Secretary Anu Garg, in the presence of senior officials from the Revenue and Disaster Management, Water Resources, Health and Family Welfare departments, the Special Relief Commissioner’s Office and other agencies.
The minister said Baleswar, Bhadrak, Jajpur, Mayurbhanj and Kendujhar are the worst-affected districts following heavy rainfall and flooding. Rain-related impacts have also been reported from Sundargarh, Jharsuguda, Bargarh, Nuapada, Balangir, Kalahandi, Rayagada, Gajapati and Malkangiri districts.
Around 30,000 people have been shifted to safer locations from the worst-affected districts as a precautionary measure, while evacuations have also been carried out in other vulnerable areas wherever required. The government said cooked food, dry rations and other essential facilities have been arranged at relief centres, with special provisions for children, women and elderly persons. Women police personnel have been deployed at relief camps to ensure the safety of women.
Officials informed the meeting that 226 villages continue to remain waterlogged, although floodwaters have started receding in several areas, particularly in Baleswar district, allowing people to gradually return to their homes.
The Health and Family Welfare Department has deployed medical teams in affected areas, stocked essential medicines and supplied anti-snake venom to vulnerable locations. MBBS doctors have been stationed at every primary health centre to provide immediate medical assistance during emergencies.
Reviewing the river situation, officials said rainfall has resumed in the upper catchment areas of Chhattisgarh. Two gates of the Hirakud Dam remain open and the reservoir level is within the safe operating range. The Water Resources Department is continuously monitoring inflows and river levels, and any future release of water will be undertaken in a calibrated manner based on technical assessment. Officials said the overall river situation remains under control.
The government has also started assessing damaged houses and processing financial assistance for affected families as per prescribed norms.
The minister and senior officials expressed grief over the death of a Fire Services personnel who was electrocuted while carrying out emergency response operations. Pujari directed the administration to provide immediate assistance and all admissible government benefits to the bereaved family.
Based on the latest weather forecast, Bargarh, Balangir, Nabarangpur, Malkangiri and Rayagada districts have been placed on high alert due to the possibility of heavy to very heavy rainfall. District administrations have been directed to keep rescue teams, emergency equipment and relief materials ready.
To strengthen disaster response, the state has deployed 17 teams of the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and Odisha Disaster Rapid Action Force (ODRAF), besides around 60 Fire Services teams at vulnerable locations. Senior IAS officers have also been assigned to monitor the situation and coordinate field-level response with district administrations.
District collectors have been authorised to close educational institutions in affected areas as required, while all government officials have been directed to remain on duty to ensure uninterrupted disaster management operations.
The minister said the state government was maintaining constant coordination with district administrations and all concerned departments. He added that Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi, who is currently in New Delhi on official engagements, has been continuously monitoring the flood situation and reviewing preparedness measures.
Appealing to people to remain vigilant, Pujari urged the public not to venture into flooded areas or attempt to cross overflowing water bodies. Citizens have been advised to move to relief centres whenever instructed and dial the emergency helpline 112 for assistance.
The state government reiterated that protection of human life remains its highest priority and assured that all necessary measures would continue to ensure timely rescue, relief and rehabilitation for affected people.
