Bhubaneswar: The flood conditions in Odisha were reported as stable on Saturday, despite ongoing rainfall in several districts, according to the latest update from the State Emergency Operation Centre (SEOC). Local administrations have been instructed to stay alert and ready for any potential developments.
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has predicted light to moderate rain or thundershowers in various regions including Sundaragada, Jharsuguda, Baragada, Sambalpur, Debagada, Anugola, Dhenkanal, Kendujhar, Mayurbhanj, Subarnapur, Boudh, Nuapada, Balangir, Kalahandi, Kandhamala, Nabarangpur, Rayagada, Koraput, and Malkangiri districts.
There is a likelihood of heavy rainfall in isolated spots within Kendujhar, Mayurbhanj, Kalahandi, and Nabarangpur districts. Some areas may also experience thunderstorms with wind speeds ranging from 30-40 km/h.
On a positive note, the water levels in all major rivers, including the Mahanadi, Brahmani, Baitarani, Budhabalanga, Subarnarekha, and Jalka, remained below danger and warning thresholds as of 11 AM on Saturday.
During the 24 hours leading up to Saturday morning, the state recorded an average rainfall of 6.8 mm, with the highest rainfall of 93 mm reported in the Chilika block of Khordha district. Eleven blocks experienced over 50 mm of rainfall, while 21 blocks received between 25 mm and 50 mm.
From August 1 to August 22, Odisha registered 272.2 mm of rainfall, surpassing the normal of 252.6 mm, marking a 7.8 percent increase. From June 1 to August 22, the state recorded a total of 1,028.4 mm of rainfall, which is 29 percent higher than the average of 797 mm.
Latest reports indicate that flood-related issues have been observed in parts of Balasore, Bhadrak, Jajpur, and Kendrapara districts.
In Balasore, 50 Gram Panchayats and 327 villages across six blocks have been impacted. A total of 129 villages are waterlogged, affecting 24,709 individuals. Authorities have evacuated 17,799 people, who are now housed in 89 relief camps.
In Bhadrak, 32 Gram Panchayats and 143 villages across four blocks have been affected, impacting 151,932 residents. Evacuations involved 20,567 people, with 23 relief camps currently operational.
Jajpur has seen 24 Gram Panchayats and 69 villages across five blocks affected, with 48 villages waterlogged, impacting 71,425 people. A total of 334 relief camps have been established.
Kendrapara reports that 67 Gram Panchayats and 164 villages across five blocks have been affected, with 42 villages waterlogged, impacting 247,493 people. Evacuations have seen 2,323 individuals moved to 18 relief camps.
The state has deployed 86 rescue teams to assist in the affected districts, which include 32 teams from the Odisha Disaster Rapid Action Force (ODRAF), eight from the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), and 46 from Fire & Emergency Services.
To ensure effective oversight, three IAS officers have been appointed to monitor the situation in Bhadrak, Balasore, and Jajpur districts. Sudhanshu Mohan Samal will oversee Bhadrak, K. Sudarshan Chakraborty will monitor Balasore, while P. Anwesha Reddy has been assigned to Jajpur. Additionally, the Additional Special Relief Commissioner Subash Chandra Nathsharma has been sent to Kendrapara.
The state government has allocated Rs 167.55 crore from the State Disaster Response Fund (SDRF) in phases for relief operations, rescue efforts, and other flood-related initiatives. This amount includes Rs 110 crore, Rs 26 crore, and Rs 31.55 crore released in three separate phases.
Furthermore, 107,225 polythene sheets in 21,445 packets have been distributed to areas impacted by the floods. Additionally, 1,431.09 metric tonnes of cattle feed have been supplied to various districts.
District authorities are urged to remain vigilant and take necessary actions to address localized waterlogging, the inundation of low-lying regions, and the closure of underpasses in urban locales. They are also instructed to monitor potential damage to unpaved roads, landslides, and the impact on horticultural and standing crops due to waterlogging.
The public is advised to follow weather updates closely and seek shelter in safe locations during thunderstorms and lightning events.
The SRC Office and SEOC are maintaining continuous monitoring of the situation, coordinating with District Emergency Operation Centres (DEOCs) throughout Odisha.
