Odisha is grappling with severe flooding in six districts—Balasore, Mayurbhanj, Bhadrak, Jajpur, Sundargarh, and Keonjhar—triggered by relentless rainfall from a low-pressure system.
Over 11,000 residents have been affected, with more than 1,000 relocated to nine relief shelters in Mayurbhanj and Balasore districts.
Revenue and Disaster Management Minister Suresh Pujari, alongside Special Relief Commissioner (SRC) Deoranjan Kumar Singh, conducted a virtual review meeting with district collectors and water resources officials to assess the crisis.
The state has intensified rescue operations, prioritising the safe evacuation of residents and the distribution of essential relief supplies. In Balasore, five Odisha Disaster Rapid Action Force (ODRAF) teams, one National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) team, 26 fire service units, and emergency response teams are actively engaged. Mayurbhanj has deployed one ODRAF team and 23 fire service units, while Bhadrak operates with one ODRAF, one NDRF, and 13 fire service units. Jajpur has one ODRAF team and 14 fire service units. A fleet of 106 boats is facilitating rescue and relief efforts across these districts.
While water levels in rivers like Baitarani and Jalaka are receding, the Subarnarekha River remains a concern, with authorities maintaining heightened vigilance in Balasore. Night patrolling has been strengthened to ensure safety in flood-affected areas. To address immediate needs, the state is providing clean drinking water, water purification systems, and cooked food to displaced residents. Adequate anti-venom stocks are in place to tackle potential snakebite cases. Additional Relief Commissioner Manish Agrawal has been tasked with overseeing relief and rehabilitation efforts in Balasore, Bhadrak, and Jajpur.
The meeting, held at Rajiv Bhawan, included key officials such as OSDMA Executive Director Kamal Lochan Mishra and Additional SRC Padmanav Behera, reflecting the state’s coordinated approach to managing the crisis.
As Odisha battles the flood’s aftermath, authorities remain committed to ensuring the safety and well-being of affected communities, with ongoing efforts to restore normalcy.
