Bhubaneswar: Continuous rainfall has caused significant flooding in 44 blocks, 243 gram panchayats, and 748 villages in Odisha, with five districts experiencing the most severe impacts. This situation has led the state government to escalate its rescue, relief, and restoration efforts.
A high-level meeting was convened, led by Revenue and Disaster Management Minister Suresh Pujari, in collaboration with Chief Secretary Anu Garg and senior officials from various departments including Revenue and Disaster Management, Water Resources, and Health and Family Welfare.
The districts of Baleswar, Bhadrak, Jajpur, Mayurbhanj, and Kendujhar have been identified as the hardest hit by the flooding. Additional rainfall-related issues have also emerged in Sundargarh, Jharsuguda, Bargarh, Nuapada, Balangir, Kalahandi, Rayagada, Gajapati, and Malkangiri.
As a precaution, around 30,000 individuals have been relocated from the most affected districts, with evacuations also occurring in other high-risk areas as needed. The government has organized the provision of cooked meals, dry rations, and essential services at relief centers, ensuring special accommodations for women, children, and the elderly. Female police personnel have been assigned to relief camps to safeguard women’s welfare.
Officials reported that 226 villages remain inundated, although floodwaters are receding in certain areas, particularly in Baleswar, allowing residents to gradually return home.
The Health and Family Welfare Department has dispatched medical teams to the affected regions, stocked necessary medications, and provided anti-snake venom to at-risk areas. Additionally, MBBS doctors are stationed at every primary health center to offer immediate medical care during emergencies.
Officials monitoring river conditions noted that rainfall has resumed in the upper catchment regions of Chhattisgarh. Currently, two gates of the Hirakud Dam are open, with the reservoir levels remaining within a safe operating range. The Water Resources Department is closely observing inflows and river levels, and any future water releases will be managed carefully based on technical evaluations. The overall river situation is reported to be stable.
The government is also initiating assessments of damaged homes and processing financial aid for affected families according to established guidelines.
During the meeting, the minister and officials expressed sorrow over the death of a Fire Services personnel who was electrocuted while responding to emergencies. Pujari instructed the administration to provide prompt support and all eligible government benefits to the deceased’s family.
Recent weather forecasts have prompted high alert status for Bargarh, Balangir, Nabarangpur, Malkangiri, and Rayagada due to the likelihood of heavy to very heavy rainfall. District administrations have been advised to prepare rescue teams, emergency equipment, and relief supplies.
To enhance disaster response, the state has deployed 17 teams from the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and the Odisha Disaster Rapid Action Force (ODRAF), along with approximately 60 Fire Services teams in vulnerable areas. Senior IAS officers are monitoring the situation and coordinating responses with district administrations.
District collectors have been empowered to close schools in affected regions as necessary, and all government staff have been instructed to remain on duty to facilitate uninterrupted disaster management efforts.
The minister stated that the state government is maintaining ongoing coordination with district administrations and relevant departments. Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi, who is currently in New Delhi for official duties, has been consistently monitoring the flood situation and assessing preparedness efforts.
Pujari urged citizens to stay vigilant, advising against entering flooded areas or attempting to cross overflowing water bodies. Residents are encouraged to relocate to relief centers when instructed and to contact the emergency helpline 112 for assistance.
The administration reaffirmed its commitment to prioritize the protection of human life and assured that all necessary actions would continue to facilitate timely rescue, relief, and rehabilitation for those affected.
