The Odisha Government has intensified its flood response as the flood situation continues to worsen across several districts, particularly in northern Odisha. A high-level review meeting chaired by the Principal Secretary of the Health Department directed all District Collectors and Chief District Medical Officers (CDMOs) to remain on high alert and ensure uninterrupted healthcare services in affected areas.

Authorities have been instructed to shift pregnant women to safer locations and maintain adequate stocks of anti-snake venom in all hospitals to tackle the increased risk of snakebite cases during floods. Medical colleges across northern Odisha have also been placed on standby, with emergency medical teams ready for deployment.

According to the Special Relief Commissioner (SRC), floods have affected 2.32 lakh people across 233 gram panchayats in 44 blocks. So far, 27,967 people have been evacuated to safer places, while four deaths have been reported. The floods have damaged nearly 7,900 hectares of farmland and 761 kutcha houses.

The situation remains critical in the Baitarani basin, where floodwaters have submerged roads and cut off connectivity in parts of Bhadrak and Jajpur districts. At Akhuapada, the river is flowing at 20.26 metres, well above the danger level of 18.33 metres. More than 20 villages remain marooned in Dhamnagar and nearby areas.

Meanwhile, increased water release from Jharkhand’s Galudih Barrage into the Subarnarekha River has raised concerns over rising downstream water levels. Authorities have advised residents living along riverbanks to remain alert.

Continuous rainfall has also caused severe waterlogging in Balasore, Nilgiri, and Keonjhar, where rescue operations are underway. Relief camps, cooked food, and medical assistance are being provided as the administration continues evacuation, rescue, and damage assessment efforts. Residents in vulnerable areas have been urged to follow official advisories and move to safer locations if instructed.

A moderate flood is expected in the Mahanadi river system, according to Chief Engineer of the Water Resources Department, Dillip Raut. Authorities have issued a warning for people living in low-lying areas along the Mahanadi and Daya rivers to remain vigilant.

The water level at the Hirakud Dam is currently 616 feet. Although water is presently being released through two sluice gates, heavy rainfall in the Tel river basin, Balangir, and Khairmal catchment areas is expected to significantly increase the inflow into the Mahanadi.

Officials estimate that the water discharge at Mundali could reach 8.5 lakh to 9 lakh cusecs by Wednesday evening, which is likely to trigger small to moderate flooding in the downstream areas of the Mahanadi and Daya rivers.

The districts and areas likely to be affected include Nimapara, Kanas, Gop, and Astaranga, where floodwaters may enter low-lying villages.

Meanwhile, the Baitarani River continues to remain in flood. Floodwaters have already inundated parts of Dasarathpur in Jajpur district, Dhamnagar, and Chandbali.

The Water Resources Department said that the inflow into the Salandi River has started declining, and the flood situation in Bhadrak is expected to improve by Thursday.

Officials also informed that a minor embankment breach has occurred in Anandapur. Repair work will begin once the floodwaters recede. A similar minor breach was reported earlier in Jajpur, and restoration work will also be taken up after the water level drops.

The Water Resources Department has urged residents in vulnerable areas to stay alert, follow advisories issued by local authorities, and avoid venturing into flooded regions until the situation improves.