Bhubaneswar: Chief Minister Shri Mohan Charan Majhi today conducted an aerial survey of the flood situation in Balasore, Bhadrak, and Jajpur districts, accompanied by Revenue and Disaster Management Minister Shri Suresh Pujari, Higher Education Minister Shri Suryavansi Suraj.
Special Relief Commissioner Shri Deo Ranjan Kumar Singh was also accompanying Chief Minister Shri Majhi. Following the inspection, the Chief Minister addressed the media at Lok Seva Bhawan, stating that the flood situation is “completely under control” with water levels in various rivers, including Subarnarekha and Jalaka in Balasore district, now receding.
The Chief Minister reported that 81 villages across 8 blocks in the three districts have been affected, impacting approximately 30,000 people. Notably affected blocks include Basta, Baliapal, Bhograi, and Jaleswar in Balasore; Dhamnagar and Bhandaripokhari in Bhadrak; and Jajpur and Dasharathpur in Jajpur district. So far, 5,869 individuals have been safely evacuated to higher ground. While floods were also observed in Keonjhar and other districts, their impact was not significant.
The state government has initiated extensive relief operations. Dry food and hot cooked meals are being provided to the flood-affected communities, with 16 free kitchens set up in Balasore, 10 in Bhadrak, and 3 in Jajpur. Around 10,000 affected people are currently receiving cooked food, and the Chief Minister affirmed that this provision would continue for the next seven days.
Looking ahead to the post-flood challenges, Chief Minister Shri Majhi emphasized a strong focus on preventing water-borne diseases like diarrhea and ensuring the purification of water sources. Local officials have been instructed to maintain strict vigilance and continuous efforts in this regard.
Furthermore, acknowledging the increased risk of snakebites during floods, the Health Department has been directed to maintain a substantial stock of antivenom and other essential medicines.
Regarding assistance for flood victims, the Chief Minister announced that District Collectors have been instructed to conduct immediate damage assessments and submit comprehensive reports. Appropriate assistance will be provided to affected individuals based on these reports. Directions have also been issued for the immediate repair of damaged roads and restoration of communication systems, along with the provision of adequate animal feed in the affected areas.
The Chief Minister highlighted the state government’s commitment to “zero casualty” in disaster response, stating that 17 ODRAF and 13 fire service teams have been deployed in Balasore district, one NDRF, one ODRAF, and 13 fire service teams in Bhadrak district, and one ODRAF and 14 fire service teams in Jajpur district to aid in rescue and relief efforts.