Bhubaneswar: With incessant rain and swelling rivers, Odisha is grappling with a flood-like situation in four districts, Special Relief Commissioner Rajesh Prabhakar Patil said on Friday. So far, 45 panchayats have been reported affected, and relief measures are underway in the vulnerable areas.
Addressing the media on the state’s flood preparedness, the SRC said there is an apprehension of medium-level flooding in Balasore, Bhadrak and Jajpur districts. Water levels are expected to rise further in the Jalaka, Salandi, Baitarani, Budhabalang and Subarnarekha rivers.
He informed that a flood situation has also emerged in the Subarnarekha river. Due to heavy rainfall, the Budhabalanga river has crossed the danger mark, and its impact is likely to be felt in Balasore district. There is a possibility of further rise in water levels in the Jalaka, Salandi, Baitarani, Budhabalanga and Subarnarekha rivers.
He stated that in Balasore, 15 panchayats under Balasore Sadar and Remuna blocks have been affected. The flood situation is being closely monitored and officers are present on the ground. Ten ODRAF teams and seven NDRF teams have already been deployed, while four more teams are on standby.
“There has been heavy rainfall in Jharkhand, which is why water levels in the rivers flowing into Odisha have remained high. Relief centres have been opened in the affected areas. Around 3,000 people were shifted to safer locations yesterday, and the process of evacuating people is continuing. At present, eight teams have been deployed in Balasore, two ODRAF teams and one NDRF team in Jajpur, two teams in Bhadrak, and one team in Keonjhar to handle the situation”, he stated.
The SRC said Collectors of the affected districts are on high alert in the impacted panchayats. He assured that the administration is fully prepared to deal with a medium-level flood situation.
