Bhubaneswar: The flood situation in Odisha showed significant signs of improvement on Saturday, with water levels in most major rivers receding and more than 95,000 people evacuated from vulnerable areas.
Even as the immediate threat eased, the State Government continued large-scale relief, rescue and restoration operations across the six flood-hit districts, keeping emergency response teams on high alert.
According to the State Emergency Operation Centre (SEOC) under the Office of the Special Relief Commissioner (SRC), floods have affected six districts, 52 blocks, 227 gram panchayats and 503 villages, impacting nearly 2.7 lakh people. District administrations in Mayurbhanj, Baleshwar, Bhadrak, Jajpur and Kendujhar are maintaining close surveillance as the flood situation continues to be monitored round the clock.
Officials said 95,206 people have so far been shifted to safety and are being accommodated in 226 relief shelters equipped with cooked food, safe drinking water, sanitation facilities, electricity and medical care. Special arrangements have also been made for children, pregnant women, senior citizens and persons with disabilities. Free community kitchens remain operational, while dry rations and other essential relief materials are being supplied based on local requirements.
To strengthen relief efforts, the State has deployed 118 response teams, including 36 Odisha Disaster Rapid Action Force (ODRAF) teams, seven National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) teams, 35 Fire and Emergency Services teams, and 40 Police, Civil Defence and local response teams. Additional personnel have been kept on standby for deployment in case of any fresh emergency.
Health authorities have intensified medical services in the affected areas by deploying 62 medical teams and ensuring adequate stocks of medicines, oral rehydration salts (ORS), intravenous fluids and anti-snake venom.
Veterinary care has also been stepped up, with 31 veterinary teams and rapid response teams operating in the flood-hit districts. Twenty-two veterinary camps have been organised, where 51 animals have already been treated or vaccinated. The government has also supplied 357.2 metric tonnes of cattle feed to support livestock owners.
The latest water-level observations, as of 12 noon today, indicate a gradual improvement in several major rivers:
- The Baitarani River at Anandapur is currently flowing at 36.62 ft, below its Danger Level (DL) of 38.36 ft. At Akhuapada, the river is also showing a falling trend and is currently at 18.13 ft, below its DL of 18.33 ft.
- The Burhabalanga River is showing a falling trend at 7.28 ft, below its DL of 8.13 ft.
- The Subarnarekha River at Jamsholaghat is also showing a falling trend and is currently at 48.64 ft, below its DL of 49.16 ft. At Rajghat, the river is currently at 10.32 ft against the DL of 10.36 ft, and the level is being closely monitored.
- The Jalaka River is currently flowing at 6.76 ft against its DL of 6.50 ft. Although it remains marginally above the danger level, it is showing a falling trend and is expected to recede further.
The State Government said there is no shortage of response personnel, food, drinking water, medicines or relief materials, adding that additional resources remain available for immediate deployment if required.
The Office of the Special Relief Commissioner is coordinating with district administrations through the SEOC to ensure uninterrupted relief and restoration work. Officials said response teams and line departments are working round the clock to restore normalcy and provide timely assistance to affected families.
While the overall flood situation has improved considerably, authorities have asked all district administrations to remain vigilant as weather conditions and river levels continue to be monitored.
The government’s immediate focus remains on protecting lives, restoring essential services and ensuring the safe rehabilitation of affected communities.
