Bhubaneswar: The flood situation in Odisha continues to remain critical with 57 blocks in 15 districts hit by floodwaters, Revenue and Disaster Management Minister Suresh Pujari said today after a review of the situation.
Addressing the media, Pujari said 446 gram panchayats, 1,362 villages and 174 wards under 11 urban local bodies have been affected so far. A total of 7,91,846 people have been impacted, of which 2,68,943 are still marooned. Relief and rescue operations are underway on a war footing.
The state government has opened 647 relief centres to provide shelter to displaced people. Dry and cooked food is being distributed and will continue till floodwaters recede. Fodder arrangements have been made at 20 locations for livestock.
As per preliminary estimates, 21,380 hectares of agricultural land and around 700 houses have been damaged.
Assuring farmers, Pujari said, “Do not worry about crop loss. Once damage assessment reports are received, compensation will be provided promptly. The government stands with you at every step.”
“Except Mahanadi, all other major rivers including Kushabhadra, Ib, Jalka, Rushikulya, Baitarani and Brahmani are now flowing below the danger level. However, water levels in the Mahanadi are rising. Currently, 12 gates of Hirakud Dam are open. More gates are likely to be opened by evening, which may release an additional 1.5 lakh cusecs of water.
He further said it will take around 40 hours for water released from Hirakud to reach Munduli. Efforts are being made to discharge the water before it arrives.
Several areas in Jajpur, Bhadrak and Balasore districts remain submerged. Collectors of Cuttack, Puri, Kendrapara, Jagatsinghpur and Khordha have been directed to remain on higher alert.
He further stated that the government has sought reports on schools, anganwadis and health facilities affected by floods, along with an assessment of old and weak river embankments.
Expressing confidence, Minister Pujari said the situation is expected to improve within the next 24 hours as water levels in several rivers are showing signs of recession.
