The Odisha government has intensified flood preparedness by deploying three senior IAS officers to the worst-affected districts of Balasore, Bhadrak and Jajpur, as heavy rainfall continues to push river levels above the danger mark across north Odisha.
Revenue and Disaster Management Minister Suresh Pujari said the next 12 hours will be crucial, with water levels in several rivers expected to rise further due to persistent rainfall in both the upper and lower catchment areas.
To strengthen relief and restoration efforts, the state government has deputed Sudhansu Mohan Samal, Managing Director of Odisha Mining Corporation (OMC), to Bhadrak, K. Sudarshan Chakravarthy, Managing Director of Odisha State Civil Supplies Corporation (OSCS), to Balasore, and P. Anvesha Reddy, Excise Commissioner, to Jajpur. The officers will work alongside district collectors to monitor the flood situation, coordinate relief operations and oversee restoration measures.
“The next 12 hours are crucial. Water levels may rise further as rainfall continues in the upper and lower catchment areas. People living in vulnerable areas have already been shifted to safer places, and all necessary relief arrangements have been made,” Pujari said.
Chief Secretary Anu Garg said the senior officers, who have previously served in the respective districts, will support local administrations and provide regular updates to the state government on the evolving flood situation.
She also said engineers from the Water Resources Department have been deployed to vulnerable embankments and river stretches. Night patrols have been intensified, and emergency measures, including the use of sandbags, will be undertaken immediately if any embankment breach is detected.
Meanwhile, water levels in the Jalaka, Budhabalanga and Salandi rivers remain above the danger mark, while authorities are closely monitoring river conditions in Mayurbhanj, Keonjhar and Sambalpur districts.
The state government has directed district administrations to evacuate elderly people, pregnant women, children and livestock from vulnerable areas. Odisha Disaster Rapid Action Force (ODRAF) teams have been stationed in the affected districts to support rescue and relief operations.
Director General of Police Y.B. Khurania said Superintendents of Police in Keonjhar, Mayurbhanj, Balasore, Bhadrak and Jajpur have been instructed to assist district administrations in evacuation drives. Women police personnel will also be deployed at relief centres to ensure the safety and security of women and children.
With heavy rainfall continuing across north Odisha and several rivers flowing above the danger mark, the state government has stepped up monitoring, evacuation and emergency response measures to minimise the impact of potential flooding.
