Bhubaneswar: State Government has initiated comprehensive measures to manage the evolving flood situation caused by heavy rainfall across the state.
Following a high-level review meeting led by Revenue and Disaster Management Minister Shri Suresh Pujari, state departments and district administrations have been placed on high alert to ensure public safety and continuous relief operations.
Public cooperation is encouraged, with authorities advising citizens to remain calm and utilize administration services as needed.
Monitoring efforts are heavily focused on critical river basins and heavily affected regions. The Baitarani and Jalaka rivers have crossed danger levels at Anandapur and Akhuapada, while rising water levels in the Brahmani and Subarnarekha rivers are being closely tracked.
Balasore district experienced the heaviest rainfall over the last 24 hours, with Bhadrak and Jajpur also facing severe impacts. Because the next 12 hours are considered crucial, both the Special Relief Commissioner office and the State Emergency Operation Centre are functioning through the night to maintain continuous oversight.
On the ground, NDRF and ODRAF teams are actively deployed in Balasore, Bhadrak, and Jajpur to support local Collectors and Block Development Officers.
Evacuations from low-lying areas are being expedited, supported by intensified police night patrolling to protect evacuees’ homes. Female police officers have also been deployed specifically to support women and children. Relief shelters are stocked with cooked meals, safe drinking water, anti-snake venom, medical supplies, and fodder for livestock.
To strengthen execution and disaster management, senior IAS officers have been assigned dedicated responsibility for the hardest-hit districts: Sudhanshu Mohan Samal for Bhadrak, K. Sudarshan Chakravarthy for Balasore, and P. Anvesha Reddy for Jajpur.
The Minister instructed officials to quickly evaluate property and agricultural damage as conditions allow, ensuring prompt compensation for affected families.
Chief Secretary Anu Garg, DGP Y. B. Khurania, Fire Services DG Sudhanshu Sarangi, Special Relief Commissioner Rajesh Prabhakar Patil, and Water Resources Principal Secretary Shubha Sharma attended the meeting.