The Odisha government has approved a ₹110 crore relief package for 22 flood-affected districts to compensate for the damage caused by recent floods across the state. The financial assistance will be transferred directly to beneficiaries through the Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) system.

Among the affected districts, Balasore, Bhadrak, and Jajpur have received the highest allocations due to extensive damage. Balasore has been sanctioned ₹22.03 crore, while Jajpur received ₹20.20 crore and Bhadrak ₹20.12 crore.

Other districts receiving flood assistance include Jagatsinghpur with ₹8.18 crore, Keonjhar ₹6.11 crore, Sambalpur ₹5.56 crore, Kendrapada ₹5.04 crore, and Mayurbhanj ₹5.02 crore.

Financial assistance has also been allocated to Khordha, Subarnapur, Boudh, Balangir, Dhenkanal, Bargarh, Kalahandi, Nuapada, Kandhamal, Cuttack, Koraput, Malkangiri, Rayagada, and Sundargarh districts.

The state witnessed unusually heavy rainfall this season, receiving around 65% more rainfall than normal, leading to rising water levels in several rivers. Many rivers are still flowing above danger marks, while waterlogging continues in several areas due to slow drainage.

Revenue Minister Suresh Pujari reviewed the flood situation and convened a high-level meeting of the Revenue Department to assess the extent of damage. All departments have been directed to submit their final damage reports by 5 PM on the following day.

Special officers have been assigned to collect detailed reports from affected districts. The government has also sought information on areas requiring embankment repairs, breach restoration, and river protection measures to prevent further damage.

The minister said that after receiving the final assessment reports, the government will speed up restoration and rehabilitation work in flood-hit areas.

The relief package is part of the state government’s efforts to support affected families, restore damaged infrastructure, and provide timely assistance to people impacted by the floods.

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.

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.

Continuous heavy rainfall has thrown normal life out of gear across several districts of Odisha, with widespread flooding, waterlogging, damaged roads, breached embankments and disrupted transportation affecting thousands of residents.

Dhenkanal Worst Hit by Flooding

In Dhenkanal district, the situation remains critical in Tumusinga village under Kamakhyanagar block, where the Jharasahi, Badasahi and Pradhansahi localities are completely waterlogged. More than 10 families are stranded as floodwater has entered their homes after overflowing drains. Despite using motor pumps to remove water, residents continue to face severe hardship.

In Hindol, Gate No. 3 of the Sapua Bada Joda Medium Irrigation Project collapsed due to the alleged lack of maintenance. During media coverage of the incident, Executive Engineer Kalyani Sahu was caught on camera pushing away a reporter’s microphone before leaving the site.

Floodwaters from the Sapua and Bada Joda rivers have submerged the Karanda, Gulehi and Ishwarpal bridges, with nearly five feet of water flowing over them, completely disrupting road connectivity.

Meanwhile, the boundary wall of Bhapur Upper Primary School in Gandia block collapsed following incessant rainfall.

Cuttack Villages Marooned; Roads Washed Away

The flood situation has also worsened in Cuttack district.

Tirigipasi village under Balijhari Panchayat in the Badamba-Narsinghpur block has been completely surrounded by floodwater, preventing residents from stepping out of their homes.

In Badapatsundarpur, under the Niali-Kantapada block, an Anganwadi Centre has been submerged, disrupting classes for young children.

At Ichhapur Panchayat in Athagarh, strong currents in the Sapua River washed away the rural road connecting Arakhapatna and Patanda, cutting off transport.

In Banki, a breach in the Junia Canal has resulted in nearly three feet of water flowing over the road connecting Gaudachheli village, while hundreds of hectares of paddy fields remain submerged, causing heavy losses to farmers.

Rivers Flow Above Danger Level in Balasore

The impact of the rain has extended to several coastal districts.

In Balasore district, the Jalka River at Mathani in Basta block crossed the danger mark, flowing at 6.52 metres, above the danger level of 6.50 metres. Officials fear that nearly 13 gram panchayats could be affected if the water level continues to rise.

Puri Heritage Site Wall Collapses

In Puri, heavy rain caused a portion of the boundary wall of the sacred Swetaganga Tank to collapse. The incident has disrupted movement in Balisahi and nearby areas, creating difficulties for commuters and local residents.

House Wall Collapse Injures Man in Keonjhar

In Hadabandhapur village under Ghasipura block of Keonjhar district, a mud wall collapsed late at night, seriously injuring Parameswar Dehuri. He was rescued and admitted to Anandapur Sub-Divisional Hospital for treatment.

Schools Closed in Subarnapur

Considering the continuing spell of heavy rainfall, the Subarnapur district administration has declared an early closure of all Anganwadi centres, schools and colleges on the directions of the District Collector to ensure the safety of students.

Administration on Alert

With heavy rainfall continuing across Odisha, district administrations remain on high alert. Authorities are closely monitoring river levels, vulnerable embankments and low-lying areas while emergency teams have been kept ready to respond to any flood-related situation. Residents living in flood-prone regions have been advised to remain cautious and follow official advisories as the rain is expected to continue.