The Odisha Government has intensified its flood preparedness as continuous rainfall triggered by a deep depression has worsened the flood situation across the state. Following a high-level review meeting, Revenue and Disaster Management Minister Suresh Pujari said the next 24 hours will be crucial for Balasore, Bhadrak, and Jajpur districts, where rivers are swelling rapidly.
Addressing the media after the meeting, the minister said three senior IAS officers have been deployed to the worst-affected districts to oversee flood management, while senior engineers have also been sent to monitor the situation on the ground.
The Baitarani River at Akhuapada is flowing above the danger mark, while water levels in the Jalaka, Budhabalanga, and Salandi rivers have also crossed critical levels. The minister added that Mayurbhanj, Sundargarh, Keonjhar, and Sambalpur will also remain under close watch over the next 24 hours.
The office of the Special Relief Commissioner (SRC) is functioning round-the-clock to coordinate rescue and relief operations. People in distress have been urged to contact the toll-free emergency helpline 122 for immediate assistance.
The government has directed district administrations to shift elderly people, pregnant women, children, and livestock to safer locations in vulnerable areas. ODRAF teams have been deployed in all affected districts, while hospitals have been instructed to maintain adequate stocks of anti-snake venom to tackle emergencies during the flood season.
In Balasore, over 10,600 people have already been evacuated, and cooked food is being distributed at 56 relief centres. In Bhadrak, around 11,000 people from four blocks have been shifted to safer places.
In Jajpur, nearly 8,000 people across 21 gram panchayats in four blocks have been affected by the rising floodwaters. District Collectors, Tehsildars, and other officials have been directed to remain on high alert and ensure timely evacuation wherever necessary.
The high-level meeting was attended by Chief Secretary Anu Garg, Fire Services DG Sudhanshu Sarangi, DGP Y.B. Khurania, Special Relief Commissioner Rajesh Prabhakar Patil, and other senior officials, who reviewed the state’s flood preparedness and ongoing relief measures.