With a low-pressure system brewing over the northwest Bay of Bengal and adjoining West Bengal–north Odisha coast, Chief Secretary Anu Garg on Sunday convened a high-level review meeting to assess the state’s flood situation and readiness.
The system is expected to intensify over the next 24 hours, bringing heavy to very heavy rainfall, particularly over northern Odisha. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has placed Baleshwar, Bhadrak, Jajpur, Mayurbhanj, and Kendujhar under a red warning. Most other districts are under orange or yellow alerts. Rain is likely to continue till August 18 before gradually decreasing.
“The next three days are crucial for Baleshwar, Bhadrak, and Jajpur. All departments and Collectors must remain fully alert and manage the situation with utmost caution,” Chief Secretary Garg directed officials.
As of Sunday, the ongoing floods have affected 49 blocks, 331 gram panchayats, 947 villages, and five urban areas. Approximately 5.15 lakh people have been impacted, of whom 2.37 lakh have been safely evacuated to higher ground. Relief is being provided in 293 camps with cooked food, chuda, and jaggery. Thirty-six ODRAF teams, seven NDRF units, and 43 fire service teams have been deployed across the affected districts.
Health authorities have dispatched medical teams and Rapid Response Teams to medical colleges and hospitals in the vulnerable districts. Adequate stocks of essential medicines, halogen tablets, bleaching powder, and anti-snake venom are available and being supplied as needed.
Power supply remains disrupted for nearly 75,000 consumers in waterlogged areas. Restoration work is underway and is expected to resume in areas where water levels have receded by evening, with additional manpower pressed into service.
Urban local bodies are operating Rapid Response Teams, ensuring drainage of stagnant water and supplying drinking water through tankers. The Animal Husbandry Department has dispatched 5,000 quintals of cattle feed, activated 36 Rapid Response Teams and 50 camps, and is providing necessary veterinary medicines.
Water Resources officials are monitoring embankments round-the-clock. Vulnerable stretches are being strengthened with sandbags, and an additional Chief Engineer has been posted to Balasore. Senior Superintending Engineers have been deputed to other affected districts. Previous breaches will be repaired immediately once water levels drop.
To strengthen on-ground management, experienced IAS officers have been assigned to assist Collectors: K. Sudarshan Chakravarty to Balasore, P. Anwesha Reddy to Jajpur, and Central Revenue Commissioner Sudhansu Mohan Samal to Bhadrak. Leave of all officers in the affected districts has been cancelled until the situation improves. Immediate financial assistance is being extended wherever required.
Rainfall data shows Odisha has received 953 mm of rain from June 1 to August 16 – 27 per cent above the normal of 759 mm. While Nabarangpur, Gajapati, and Kalahandi recorded relatively lower rainfall, most other districts have received normal to excess precipitation.
Fishermen have been strictly advised not to venture into the sea for the next three days. The Chief Secretary also cautioned the public against gathering near river embankments for selfies or photographs, urging Collectors to create widespread awareness through loudspeakers and public announcements.
All departments have been instructed to remain in a state of high preparedness as the low-pressure system continues to influence weather over the region.
