Severe flooding caused by persistent rainfall and rising river levels has resulted in three confirmed deaths and impacted more than 200,000 individuals across several districts in Odisha, as reported by Revenue and Disaster Management Minister Suresh Pujari on Wednesday.
During a press briefing following a review meeting, the Minister highlighted that the districts hardest hit included Baleshwar, Bhadrak, Jajpur, Mayurbhanj, and Kendujhar. As of Wednesday afternoon, 44 blocks, 243 Gram Panchayats, and 748 villages had suffered from the effects of the heavy rains and flooding.
Additional rainfall also affected regions such as Sundargarh, Jharsuguda, Bargarh, Nuapada, Balangir, Kalahandi, Rayagada, Gajapati, and Malkangiri. Minister Pujari confirmed that three deaths occurred in Kendujhar district, including a Fire Services personnel. A minor drowned in the floodwaters, while an elderly individual perished when a wall of his house collapsed.
The deceased Fire Services worker, named Chandan Pattanik, lost his life after coming into contact with a live electric wire while engaged in dewatering efforts in Kendujhar. Pujari mentioned that approximately 30,000 individuals had been relocated from low-lying areas to safer locations and relief centers across the six districts affected by the flooding.
Residents from vulnerable areas in other districts were also moved to safer sites, and cooked meals were provided for those who had to evacuate. The Minister assured that adequate baby food was available for children, along with special provisions for elderly individuals and women at the relief centers.
Currently, 226 villages are still experiencing waterlogging, although water levels are beginning to recede in several areas, particularly in Balasore district, allowing some evacuees to return home. Reviewing the river conditions, Pujari noted that rainfall had started in the upper catchment areas of Chhattisgarh.
At present, two gates of the Hirakud Dam remain open, with the reservoir level maintained within a safe operating range. The government has also begun assessing the damage to homes, and aid for affected families is being processed according to established guidelines.
According to the latest weather predictions, districts such as Bargarh, Balangir, Nabarangpur, Malkangiri, and Rayagada have been placed on high alert due to the forecast of heavy to very heavy rainfall. All district administrations have been instructed to remain fully prepared, with rescue teams, emergency equipment, and relief supplies on standby.
To enhance disaster response efforts, 17 teams from the NDRF and ODRAF, along with around 60 Fire Services teams, have been strategically deployed in at-risk areas. Minister Pujari encouraged the public to stay alert and avoid entering flooded zones or attempting to cross swollen water bodies.
Citizens are urged to cooperate with district officials, relocate to relief centers as advised, and contact emergency services if needed. Authorities have instructed individuals to call 112 for any necessary assistance.
