Bhubaneswar: Continuous light to moderate rainfall over the past few days has led to flooding in six Odisha districts — Balasore, Mayurbhanj, Bhadrak, Jajpur, Sundergarh, and Keonjhar. More than 11,000 people have been impacted, with over 1,000 shifted to nine relief shelters in Mayurbhanj and Balasore.
Revenue and Disaster Management Minister Suresh Pujari, along with Special Relief Commissioner Deoranjan Kumar Singh, conducted a virtual review of the flood situation today with district collectors and senior officials from the Water Resources Department.
The district administrations are intensifying rescue operations, prioritising the safety of affected residents and ensuring prompt relief distribution.
Special Relief Commissioner Singh informed the media that rescue teams including five ODRAF, one NDRF, and 26 fire and emergency service squads are active in Balasore. Mayurbhanj has one ODRAF team and 23 fire units, Bhadrak has one ODRAF, one NDRF, and 13 fire teams, while Jajpur has one ODRAF and 14 fire teams deployed. A total of 106 boats are in use for rescue and relief efforts.
Water levels in all rivers except the Subarnarekha have started to recede. However, close monitoring continues in Balasore due to rising levels in the Subarnarekha. Night patrolling has been increased in affected areas.
Arrangements have been made for water purification and the provision of clean drinking water in the forest areas, and sufficient anti-venom has been stockpiled. Cooked food will be provided as needed until normalcy returns. Additional Relief Commissioner Manish Agarwal has been dispatched to Balasore, Bhadrak, and Jajpur to oversee relief operations.
On this occasion, OSDMA Executive Director Kamal Lochan Mishra and Additional Relief Commissioner Padmanav Behera, along with senior officers from the Office of the Special Relief Commissioner and OSDMA, were prominently present.
