Odisha Government on High Alert as Floods Batter Five Districts; 30,000 Shifted to Safety

Bureau, Odishabarta

Bhubaneswar, July 29: The Odisha Government has intensified its flood response across the state, launching round-the-clock rescue, relief and restoration operations as incessant rainfall and rising river levels continue to impact several districts.

A high-level review meeting on the flood situation was chaired by Revenue and Disaster Management Minister Suresh Pujari, along with Chief Secretary Anu Garg, in the presence of Additional Chief Secretary Dr. Arabinda Padhee, Health and Family Welfare Commissioner-cum-Secretary Aswathy S., Special Relief Commissioner Rajesh Prabhakar Patil, and senior officials from the Revenue & Disaster Management, Water Resources, Health and other departments.

The meeting reviewed the flood situation, rescue and relief measures, medical preparedness, river water levels, weather forecasts and inter-departmental coordination to ensure a swift and effective response.

The Minister said Balasore, Bhadrak, Jajpur, Mayurbhanj and Kendujhar are the worst-affected districts following heavy rainfall and flooding. As of Wednesday afternoon, floodwaters had affected 44 blocks, 243 Gram Panchayats and 748 villages. Rain-related impacts have also been reported from Sundargarh, Jharsuguda, Bargarh, Nuapada, Balangir, Kalahandi, Rayagada, Gajapati and Malkangiri districts.

Nearly 30,000 people have been evacuated from vulnerable areas and shifted to safer locations. Authorities said relief centres are fully equipped with hygienic cooked food, dry rations and essential facilities for women, children and senior citizens. Women police personnel have also been deployed to ensure safety and security at relief camps.

The Health and Family Welfare Department has strengthened emergency medical services by deploying medical teams, stocking essential medicines and supplying anti-snake venom to vulnerable areas. MBBS doctors have been stationed at every Primary Health Centre (PHC) to provide immediate treatment during emergencies.

Officials informed the meeting that 226 villages continue to remain waterlogged, although floodwaters have started receding in several areas, particularly in Balasore district, allowing many displaced families to gradually return home.

Reviewing the river situation, officials said rainfall has resumed in the upper catchment areas of Chhattisgarh. Currently, two gates of the Hirakud Dam remain open, while the reservoir continues to operate within safe limits. The Water Resources Department is closely monitoring inflows and river levels, with any future water release to be carried out in a calibrated manner based on technical assessment.

The Government has also initiated an assessment of damaged houses, and financial assistance to affected families will be provided as per prescribed norms.

The meeting expressed deep grief over the death of a Fire Services personnel who was electrocuted while engaged in rescue operations. The Minister directed officials 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 have been placed on high alert due to the possibility of heavy to very heavy rainfall. District administrations have been instructed to remain fully prepared with rescue teams, emergency equipment and relief materials.

To strengthen disaster management, 17 teams of the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and Odisha Disaster Rapid Action Force (ODRAF), along with around 60 Fire Services teams, have been strategically deployed across vulnerable locations. Senior IAS officers have also been assigned to monitor the situation and coordinate field-level operations.

District Collectors have been authorised to close educational institutions in affected areas whenever necessary, while all government officials have been directed to remain on duty to ensure uninterrupted disaster management operations.

The Minister said the State Government is maintaining constant coordination with district administrations and all concerned departments. Although Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi is currently in New Delhi on official engagements, he has been continuously monitoring the flood situation and issuing necessary directions to the administration.

Appealing to the public to remain alert, the Minister urged people not to enter flooded areas or attempt to cross overflowing rivers and streams. Citizens have been advised to cooperate with local authorities, move to relief centres whenever instructed and dial 112 for emergency assistance.

The Government also appealed to media organisations to disseminate only verified information while ensuring the safety of journalists covering the disaster.

Reiterating its commitment to public safety, the State Government affirmed that protecting human lives remains its highest priority and assured that every possible effort is being made to provide timely rescue, relief and rehabilitation to all affected citizens.

Anisha KAR, PRO