Odisha Flood Situation Improves, Jajpur Remains Under Close Watch

Bhubaneswar: The flood situation in Odisha has begun to ease, with most affected areas witnessing improvement even as the State administration continues round-the-clock monitoring, relief operations and preparedness measures amid another spell of heavy rainfall.

According to the latest report, Dasarathpur block in Jajpur remains affected, with 19 Gram Panchayats and 62 villages impacted. As many as 22 relief camps are currently operational, providing support to 8,983 people. Conditions in other affected districts have improved, although administrations continue to remain on alert.

The relief camps are being provided with drinking water, sanitation, lighting, medical assistance and cooked food. Special arrangements have also been made for children, pregnant women, senior citizens and persons with disabilities.

During the current phase of the flood situation, the State has supplied 6,426.76 quintals of chuda, 648.01 quintals of gur and 1,590.71 metric tonnes of cattle feed. A total of 11,337 polythene sheets have also been distributed among affected families.

157 response teams deployed

The State had deployed 157 response teams during the crisis, comprising 56 ODRAF teams, nine NDRF teams and 92 Fire & Emergency Services teams. Six ODRAF teams continue to operate in Jajpur district as part of the ongoing response.

Meanwhile, Odisha received an average rainfall of 24.5 mm in the past 24 hours. Barkote block in Deogarh recorded the highest rainfall at 127.2 mm. Three blocks received more than 100 mm of rain, while 34 blocks and two urban local bodies recorded rainfall between 50 mm and 100 mm.

River levels are also being closely monitored. As of noon on August 31, the Mahanadi at Naraj, Devi at Alipingal and Kushabhadra at Nimapada were showing a falling trend. The Brahmani at Panposh and Jenapur recorded slow rising trends, while the Baitarani and other major rivers remained under close observation.

Heavy rain forecast

The India Meteorological Department has forecast heavy to very heavy rainfall at isolated places, with extremely heavy rainfall likely at one or two locations in Bargarh district, which remains under a Red Warning.

Sundargarh, Jharsuguda, Sambalpur, Deogarh, Angul, Keonjhar, Subarnapur, Nuapada, Balangir and Kalahandi are under Orange Warning. Baleshwar, Bhadrak, Jajpur, Dhenkanal, Mayurbhanj, Boudh, Kandhamal, Nabarangpur and Rayagada are under Yellow Warning.

District administrations in the warning zones have been asked to keep their response machinery ready. People have also been advised to monitor weather updates and take shelter indoors during thunderstorms and lightning.

The State Emergency Operation Centre is maintaining a 24×7 watch in coordination with District Emergency Operation Centres. Authorities are keeping a close watch on the possibility of localised flooding, waterlogging, road closures, landslides and damage to vulnerable structures and standing crops.

The Office of the Special Relief Commissioner said the State’s response mechanism remains fully prepared to mobilise additional resources if required, with priority being given to the safety of people and timely relief and restoration operations.