Bhubaneswar: Odisha is currently grappling with a severe flood situation impacting six districts – Balasore, Mayurbhanj, Bhadrak, Jajpur, Sundergarh, and Keonjhar – following days of incessant low-pressure induced rainfall. Over 11,000 individuals have been affected, with more than 1,000 already evacuated to nine relief shelters established in Mayurbhanj and Balasore districts.
Today, Revenue and Disaster Management Minister Shri Suresh Pujari and Special Relief Commissioner (SRC) Shri Deoranjan Kumar Singh held a crucial virtual meeting with District Collectors of Mayurbhanj, Balasore, Bhadrak, Jajpur, Sambalpur, Sundergarh, and senior engineers from the Water Resources Department. The urgent directive from the state administration emphasized expediting rescue operations, ensuring the safety and well-being of those in shelters, and streamlining relief distribution in the flood-hit areas.
Addressing media persons at Rajiv Bhawan, SRC Shri Deoranjan Kumar Singh provided details on the extensive deployment of emergency response teams:
- Balasore: 5 ODRAF, 1 NDRF, and 26 Fire and Emergency Services teams.
- Mayurbhanj: 1 ODRAF and 23 Fire teams.
- Bhadrak: 1 ODRAF, 1 NDRF, and 13 Fire teams.
- Jajpur: 1 ODRAF team and 14 Fire teams.
Additionally, 106 boats have been deployed across these districts for crucial rescue operations and aid delivery.
While water levels in most rivers, including Baitarani and Jalaka, have shown a receding trend, the Subarnarekha river remains a significant concern, with authorities maintaining a vigilant watch, especially in Balasore district. The Subarnarekha at Rajghat was flowing above its warning level this morning and is anticipated to crest further by late tonight, potentially impacting over 100 villages in Bhogarai, Baliapal, and Jaleswar blocks. This surge is partly attributed to heavy discharge from Jharkhand’s Galudih Barrage. Night patrolling has been intensified in all flood-affected regions.
The administration has initiated measures for water purification and the provision of clean drinking water in affected localities. An adequate stock of anti-venom has been ensured to address potential health risks. Cooked food will be supplied to the displaced population until normalcy is restored. To directly supervise the restoration and relief operations, Additional Relief Commissioner Shri Manish Agarwal has been dispatched to Balasore, Bhadrak, and Jajpur districts.
The state government has affirmed its commitment to round-the-clock monitoring and a swift, coordinated response to mitigate the impact of the ongoing flood situation.