Bhubaneswar: Revenue and Disaster Management Minister Suresh Pujari on Saturday said there was no need for people to panic over rainfall in Odisha as the situation remained under control, with river water levels below warning marks and disaster-response agencies kept on alert.
Speaking to reporters, Pujari said several parts of the state received significant rainfall during the morning hours, with Kendrapada in Nayagada recording the highest rainfall of 137 mm around 8.30 am.
Kuchinda in Sambalpur recorded 115 mm of rainfall, while Kendrapada received 110 mm. Derabish in Kendrapada recorded 108 mm, followed by Barchana in Jajpur at 96 mm. Several places in Deogarh, Kendujhar and Kataka also received around 59-60 mm of rainfall, he said.
Pujari said the rainfall had not caused any immediate threat and urged people to remain alert, particularly in areas that were still recovering from the recent floods.
“In Jajpur, Baleshwar and Bhadrak, floodwater from the recent floods has not completely receded yet. However, the water levels of the major rivers are below the warning marks,” he said.
The minister said the water level of the Mahanadi and Naraj barrage was below the warning level. Water levels in the Kushabhadra, Devi, Brahmani, Baitarani, Budhabalanga, Subarnarekha, Jalaka, Rushikulya and Vansadhara rivers were also receding, he said.
“None of these rivers has touched the warning level. The situation is under control,” Pujari said.
The Revenue and Disaster Management Department, Water Resources Department and regional IMD authorities are monitoring the situation round the clock, the minister said, adding that officials were receiving updates every hour.
He said officials were also working to distribute relief materials in affected areas and that all concerned departments had been asked to remain prepared.
Pujari appealed to people in north, central and south Odisha to remain cautious and follow official advisories. In case of any emergency, people can contact the nearest tehsil office, BDO or district Collector, or approach the Revenue and Disaster Management Department, he said.
The minister said the Odisha Disaster Rapid Action Force (ODRAF), National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), Fire Services Department and other agencies were fully prepared to respond to any emergency.
“All departments are fully prepared. If any untoward situation arises, they are ready to carry out rescue and relief operations. We are also fully prepared. There is no need for people to worry,” Pujari said.
