Bhubaneswar: The flood situation in Odisha has shown improvement, with the overall situation remaining under control even as the state government continues relief, rescue, response and restoration measures in affected areas, an official release said on Monday.
Jajpur remained the only district with an affected block, with Dasarathpur reporting impact across 19 gram panchayats and 62 villages. As many as 22 relief camps are operational in the block, providing shelter and assistance to 8,983 beneficiaries.
The government said other affected districts have also witnessed improvement, though the situation continues to be closely monitored and necessary resources are being provided.
The operational relief camps are being equipped with safe drinking water, sanitation, lighting, medical assistance and food. Special arrangements are being made for vulnerable groups, including children, pregnant women, elderly persons and persons with disabilities.
During the current phase of the flood situation, 6,426.76 quintals of flattened rice (chuda), 648.01 quintals of jaggery (gur) and 1,590.71 metric tonnes of cattle feed have been supplied, while 11,337 polythene sheets have been distributed among affected families, the release said.
A total of 157 response teams were deployed during the crisis, comprising 56 ODRAF teams, nine NDRF teams and 92 Fire and Emergency Services teams. Six ODRAF teams continue to remain deployed in Jajpur as part of the ongoing response.
Meanwhile, Odisha recorded an average rainfall of 24.5 mm during the past 24 hours, with the highest rainfall of 127.2 mm recorded at Barkote block in Deogarh district. Three blocks received more than 100 mm rainfall, while 34 blocks and two urban local bodies recorded rainfall between 50 mm and 100 mm.
The state government also continued to monitor river water levels. At noon on Monday, the Mahanadi at Naraj was at 23.94 metres, the Devi at Alipingal at 4.72 metres and the Kushabhadra at Nimapada at 3.82 metres, all showing a falling trend.
The Brahmani at Panposh and Jenapur stood at 174.82 metres and 20.30 metres, respectively, with slow rising trends. The Baitarani at Anandpur and Akhuapada was at 36.71 metres and 18.06 metres, respectively.
The Burhabalanga at NH-5 stood at 6.24 metres, while the Subarnarekha was at 47.94 metres at Jamsholaghat and 8.87 metres at Rajghat. The Jalaka at Mathani stood at 6.48 metres.
The government said the river situation remained under close watch, with regular monitoring and preparedness being maintained by district administrations.
The India Meteorological Department has forecast heavy to very heavy rainfall at isolated places in several districts, with extremely heavy rainfall likely at one or two places in Bargarh district, which has been placed under a Red Warning.
Thunderstorms accompanied by lightning and gusty winds are also likely in several districts. Sundargarh, Jharsuguda, Sambalpur, Deogarh, Angul, Keonjhar, Subarnapur, Nuapada, Balangir and Kalahandi are under Orange Warning, while Baleswar, Bhadrak, Jajpur, Dhenkanal, Mayurbhanj, Boudh, Kandhamal, Nabarangpur and Rayagada are under Yellow Warning.
The districts under Red, Orange and Yellow warnings have been advised to keep their administrative machinery prepared to deal with any eventuality. People have also been advised to monitor weather conditions and take shelter at safe places during thunderstorms to protect themselves from lightning.
The State Emergency Operation Centre is maintaining a 24×7 watch in coordination with District Emergency Operation Centres. District administrations have been asked to remain alert to the possibility of localised flooding, waterlogging in low-lying areas, closure of vulnerable roads, landslides and damage to vulnerable structures and standing crops.
The Office of the Special Relief Commissioner continues to coordinate with district administrations and various departments for timely response, relief and restoration measures, the release said.
The state’s response mechanism remains fully prepared to address any emerging requirement, with continued focus on safeguarding lives and supporting affected communities.
