Bhubaneswar: The flood situation in Odisha remained under control on Saturday, even as several districts continued to receive rainfall, according to the latest situation report issued by the State Emergency Operation Centre (SEOC). District administrations have been directed to remain fully alert and prepared to deal with any eventuality.
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecast light to moderate rain or thundershower activity at many places across Sundaragada, Jharsuguda, Baragada, Sambalpur, Debagada, Anugola, Dhenkanal, Kendujhar, Mayurbhanj, Subarnapur, Boudh, Nuapada, Balangir, Kalahandi, Kandhamala, Nabarangpur, Rayagada, Koraput and Malkangiri districts.
Heavy rainfall is likely at one or two places in Kendujhar, Mayurbhanj, Kalahandi and Nabarangpur districts. Thunderstorms accompanied by lightning and gusty winds of 30-40 kmph are also likely in some areas.
Providing some relief, the water levels of all major rivers, including the Mahanadi, Brahmani, Baitarani, Budhabalanga, Subarnarekha and Jalka, remained below both the danger and warning levels as of 11 AM on Saturday.
The State recorded an average rainfall of 6.8 mm during the 24-hour period ending Saturday morning. Chilika block in Khordha district recorded the highest rainfall of 93 mm. As many as 11 blocks received more than 50 mm of rainfall, while 21 blocks recorded rainfall between 25 mm and 50 mm.
Between August 1 and August 22, Odisha received 272.2 mm of rainfall against the normal of 252.6 mm, registering 7.8 per cent excess rainfall. From June 1 to August 22, the State received 1,028.4 mm against the normal of 797 mm, which is 29 per cent above normal.
According to the latest information, flood-related impacts have been reported from parts of Baleshwar, Bhadrak, Jajpur and Kendrapada districts.
In Baleshwar, 50 Gram Panchayats and 327 villages across six blocks have been affected. As many as 129 villages are waterlogged, affecting 24,709 people. A total of 17,799 people have been evacuated and accommodated in 89 relief camps.
In Bhadrak, 32 Gram Panchayats and 143 villages across four blocks have been affected. The flood situation has affected 1,51,932 people, while 20,567 people have been evacuated. Twenty-three relief camps are currently operational.
In Jajpur, 24 Gram Panchayats and 69 villages across five blocks have been affected. Forty-eight villages are waterlogged, affecting 71,425 people. A total of 334 relief camps have been opened.
In Kendrapada, 67 Gram Panchayats and 164 villages across five blocks have been affected. Forty-two villages are waterlogged, with 2,47,493 people affected. As many as 2,323 people have been evacuated and are being provided assistance in 18 relief camps.
The State has deployed 86 rescue teams in the affected districts. The teams comprise 32 Odisha Disaster Rapid Action Force (ODRAF) teams, eight National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) teams and 46 Fire & Emergency Services teams.
For close monitoring of the situation, three IAS officers have been assigned to Bhadrak, Balasore and Jajpur districts. Sudhanshu Mohan Samal has been assigned to Bhadrak, K. Sudarshan Chakraborty to Baleshwar and P. Anwesha Reddy to Jajpur. Additional Special Relief Commissioner Subash Chandra Nathsharma has also been deployed to Kendrapada.
The State Government has released Rs 167.55 crore from the State Disaster Response Fund (SDRF) in phases for relief camps, rescue operations and other flood-related measures. The amount comprises Rs 110 crore, Rs 26 crore and Rs 31.55 crore released in three phases.
The government has also supplied 1,07,225 polythene sheets in 21,445 packets to flood-affected areas. Besides, 1,431.09 metric tonnes of cattle feed has been supplied to various districts.
District administrations have been asked to remain vigilant and take necessary measures to tackle localised waterlogging, inundation of low-lying areas and the closure of underpasses in urban areas. They have also been directed to monitor possible damage to kachha roads, landslides and horticultural and standing crops due to waterlogging.
People have been advised to closely monitor weather updates and take shelter in safe locations during thunderstorms and lightning.
The SRC Office and SEOC are maintaining round-the-clock monitoring of the situation in coordination with District Emergency Operation Centres (DEOCs) across Odisha.
