Bhubaneswar: As many as 43 ODRAF and NDRF teams have been deployed across Odisha and 13,221 people evacuated from affected areas as the rainfall situation in the state remained under control on Tuesday.
Rainfall activity has significantly reduced in most parts of the state, though district administrations have been asked to remain alert to localized flooding, waterlogging and other weather-related eventualities.
According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), light to moderate rain or thundershowers are likely at one or two places across all districts of Odisha. A Yellow Warning has been issued for Baleshwar, Bhadrak, Jajpur, Kendrapada, Jagatsinghpur, Kataka, Kendujhar and Mayurbhanj districts.
The state recorded an average rainfall of 1.1 mm during the 24 hours ending at 8.30 am on September 29. The highest rainfall of 45 mm was recorded in Banki-Dampada Block of Cuttack district, while 12 blocks received more than 10 mm of rainfall.
Among districts, Cuttack recorded the highest average rainfall of 9.5 mm, followed by Puri at 6.3 mm, Gajapati at 4.9 mm, Khordha at 2.9 mm, Dhenkanal at 2.5 mm, Koraput at 2.4 mm and Malkangiri at 1.9 mm.
The cumulative rainfall in the state from September 1 to September 29 stood at 316.2 mm against the normal average of 233.4 mm, registering a surplus of 35.5 per cent.
The 43 deployed teams comprise 36 ODRAF and seven NDRF teams. They include 14 teams in Baleshwar, nine in Bhadrak, four each in Koraput and Jajpur, three in Jagatsinghpur and two in Nabarangpur. Reserve teams have been positioned at OSAP 6th Battalion in Kataka and NDRF 3rd Battalion at Mundali.
The trained teams remain ready for rescue, evacuation and emergency response operations depending on the ground situation, officials said.
District administrations have continued precautionary evacuation and relief measures in affected areas. A total of 49 relief camps have been opened across the affected districts to provide assistance to the evacuated population.
Baleshwar has reported the highest number of evacuations, with 7,452 people moved to safer locations. Six blocks, 72 gram panchayats and 479 villages have been affected in the district, with a total affected population of 48,560. Fifteen relief camps are operational.
In Jajpur, two blocks, 12 gram panchayats and 36 villages have been affected, with 5,059 people affected. A total of 3,876 people have been evacuated and 19 relief camps are operational.
In Bhadrak, five blocks, 57 gram panchayats and 172 villages have been affected, affecting 18,691 people. The affected families are being provided food and other relief measures at their homes.
In Jagatsinghpur, two blocks, six gram panchayats and eight villages have been affected, with 1,188 people affected. A total of 822 people have been evacuated and six relief camps are operational.
In Bargarh, one block, two gram panchayats and four villages have been affected, with 978 people affected. All 978 people have been evacuated and four relief camps are operational.
In Sambalpur, one ULB and two wards have been affected, with 215 people affected. A total of 93 people have been evacuated and three relief camps are operational.
In Nabarangpur, one block, two gram panchayats and two villages have been affected, with 85 people affected. Two relief camps are operational.
In Kandhamala, one block, two gram panchayats and two villages have been affected, with eight people affected.
The government has also ensured the supply of cattle feed to affected districts. A total of 907.04 MT of cattle feed has been supplied, including 400 MT to Baleshwar, 380.5 MT to Bhadrak, 67.74 MT to Jajpur, 40 MT to Mayurbhanj and 18.80 MT to Koraput.
There is currently no warning for fishermen, officials said.
The State Emergency Operation Centre (SEOC) is monitoring the situation round the clock in coordination with all District Emergency Operation Centres (DEOCs).
District administrations have been advised to take appropriate measures to deal with localized flooding of roads, waterlogging in low-lying areas and closure of underpasses, particularly in urban areas.
They have also been asked to remain vigilant about possible minor damage to kutcha roads and vulnerable structures, landslides, and damage to horticulture and standing crops due to inundation.
With rainfall activity significantly reduced, the state government and district administrations continue to remain prepared to respond promptly to any localized situation, officials said.
