Bhubaneswar: More than 2.7 lakh people across six districts of Odisha have been affected by the ongoing floods, prompting the state government to intensify rescue, relief and restoration measures. With 95,206 people shifted to safety and 118 response teams deployed across the flood-hit regions, the government on Saturday said the situation is under constant watch as river levels begin to recede, even as the India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecast another spell of heavy rainfall over the next four days.
Reviewing the flood situation at the Office of the Special Relief Commissioner (SRC), Revenue and Disaster Management Minister Suresh Pujari said the government was fully prepared to safeguard lives and property and directed officials to continue relief operations without interruption. He also stressed the need for long-term measures to minimise the impact of recurring floods.
According to the State Emergency Operation Centre (SEOC), floods have affected 503 villages under 227 gram panchayats spread across 52 blocks. The districts of Mayurbhanj, Baleshwar, Bhadrak, Jajpur and Kendujhar remain under close surveillance, while district administrations have been asked to remain on high alert.
The Minister said 95,206 people have so far been evacuated and accommodated in 226 relief shelters, where cooked food, safe drinking water, sanitation facilities, electricity and medical care are being provided. Community kitchens are functioning in the affected areas, while dry rations and other relief materials are being distributed based on local requirements. Special arrangements have also been made for children, pregnant women, senior citizens and persons with disabilities.
To strengthen rescue and emergency response, the government has deployed 118 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 teams have been kept on standby for deployment if the situation worsens.
Health services have also been stepped up in the flood-hit districts. A total of 62 medical teams are providing healthcare services, while adequate stocks of medicines, ORS packets, IV fluids and anti-snake venom have been positioned in vulnerable areas. The Animal Husbandry Department has deployed 31 veterinary teams and set up 22 veterinary camps, where 51 animals have so far been treated or vaccinated. Around 518.74 metric tonnes of cattle feed have been supplied to support livestock owners.
According to water level data available till 6.00 pm, the water levels in most major rivers are gradually receding.
- Baitarani: The water level at Anandpur stood at 36.81 feet, below the danger mark of 38.36 feet. At Akhuapada, the water level has also receded to 18.14 feet, below the danger mark of 18.33 feet.
- Budhabalanga: The water level has fallen to 6.98 feet, below the danger mark of 8.13 feet.
- Subarnarekha: At Jamsholaghat, the water level is receding and currently stands at 47.88 feet, below the danger mark of 49.16 feet. However, at Rajghat, the water level is 10.48 feet, marginally above the danger mark of 10.36 feet, and is under continuous monitoring.
- Jalaka: The water level is 6.62 feet, slightly above the danger mark of 6.50 feet, but is gradually receding and is expected to decline further.
- Brahmani: At Panposh, the water level is 175.62 feet, below the danger mark of 178.42 feet. At Jenapur, the water level stands at 22.13 feet, below the danger level of 23 feet, and is being closely monitored.
The water levels of all major rivers are being monitored round the clock, and necessary precautionary measures are being taken in vulnerable and sensitive areas.
The Minister said there has been no significant shortage of response personnel, food, drinking water, medicines or relief materials. Additional resources have also been kept ready for deployment whenever required.
The Office of the Special Relief Commissioner is monitoring the situation round the clock through the State Emergency Operation Centre, with continuous coordination between district administrations and emergency response agencies to ensure timely delivery of relief and essential services.
The flood situation, however, has taken a political turn after the government blamed Baitarani Power Project Limited, a private hydroelectric power producer in Kendujhar, for releasing stored water without prior intimation, allegedly worsening the flooding downstream.
Minister Pujari said the company had triggered a similar situation during last year’s monsoon and directed the District Collector to conduct a detailed inquiry. He said strict action would be taken against the company if lapses are established.
The floods have also damaged around 3,794 hectares of agricultural land, adding to the concerns of farmers in the affected districts.
Although rainfall remained light in most parts of the state on Friday, the IMD has forecast the formation of another deep depression over the Bay of Bengal, which is expected to bring fresh rainfall over the next four days. An Orange Warning has been issued for Mayurbhanj, Kendujhar and Baleshwar districts, prompting the government to review preparedness with district collectors, the Irrigation Department, the SRC and the Energy Department.
Special Relief Commissioner Rajesh Prabhakar Patil, senior officials of various departments and district-level officers participated in the review meeting through virtual mode as the state continued to closely monitor the evolving flood situation.
