Bhubaneswar: Revenue and Disaster Management Minister Suresh Pujari on Monday confirmed that floodwaters have affected several districts in Odisha, including Balasore, Jajpur, Kendujhar, Bhadrak, and Sundargarh, with Jajpur district bearing the brunt of the disaster.
Approximately 46 villages across 14 gram panchayats in Jajpur have been inundated. In Bhadrak district, Bhandari Pokhari block has also reported significant flooding. Several areas in Jajpur and Bhadrak remain surrounded by water.
“We have started evacuation operations and arranged food and shelter for the affected people. Medical teams, including doctors, are deployed, and special arrangements have been made for children and the elderly,” said Minister Pujari while addressing the media.
Shelter homes have been set up with all basic amenities. District administrations have been directed to ensure the safety and well-being of evacuees.
“Once the water recedes and conditions are safe, people will be allowed to return to their homes,” the minister added.
He further stated that the flood situation is now under control, with water levels falling below the danger mark and continuing to recede. No casualties have been reported so far.
Collectors, Additional Collectors, Sub-Collectors, BDOs, and Tehsildars are on the ground in affected areas and at relief centres to oversee rescue and relief operations. Residents have been advised not to remain in water-logged areas and to move to relief centres for safety.
Large tracts of agricultural land have been submerged. The government has assured that compensation will be provided to farmers after field-level assessments are completed.