Odisha Flood Situation Improves, Over 2.7 Lakh People Affected Across Six Districts

Bhubaneswar: The flood situation in Odisha is showing signs of gradual improvement, even as the state continues round-the-clock rescue, relief and restoration operations across affected areas, officials said.

According to the latest report of the State Emergency Operation Centre (SEOC) under the Office of the Special Relief Commissioner, flooding has affected six districts, 52 blocks, 227 Gram Panchayats and 503 villages, impacting around 2,70,212 people.

Mayurbhanj, Balasore, Bhadrak, Jajpur and Keonjhar remain under close watch, with the State Emergency Operation Centre coordinating continuously with the respective District Emergency Operation Centres.

Over 95,000 people evacuated

So far, 95,206 people have been evacuated and accommodated in 226 relief shelters. Authorities are ensuring cooked and hygienic food, safe drinking water, sanitation, lighting and medical assistance at the shelters.

Special arrangements have been made for children, pregnant women, elderly persons and persons with disabilities. Free kitchens are functioning in affected areas, while dry food and other essential relief materials are being supplied according to local requirements.

118 response teams deployed

The state has deployed 118 response teams for evacuation, rescue, relief and emergency operations. These include 36 ODRAF teams, seven NDRF teams, 35 Fire and Emergency Services teams and 40 Police, Civil Defence and local teams.

Additional teams remain on standby and will be deployed wherever required, particularly in vulnerable areas.

Medical and veterinary services strengthened

Health services continue to be prioritised in the flood-hit areas, with 62 medical teams deployed and adequate stocks of medicines, ORS, IV fluids and anti-snake venom maintained.

The administration has also deployed 31 veterinary teams and rapid response teams, while 22 veterinary camps have been organised. So far, 51 animals have been treated or vaccinated, and 357.2 MT of cattle feed has been supplied.

Major rivers show falling trend

Water levels in several major rivers have shown a gradual decline, offering some relief to the administration.

The Baitarani at Anandapur was flowing at 36.62 ft, below its danger level of 38.36 ft. At Akuapada, it stood at 18.13 ft against a danger level of 18.33 ft and was showing a falling trend.

The Burhabalanga at 7.28 ft was also below its danger level of 8.13 ft.

The Subarnarekha at Jamsholaghat was at 48.64 ft against a danger level of 49.16 ft. At Rajghat, it was at 10.32 ft against a danger level of 10.36 ft, with authorities maintaining close watch.

The Jalaka, however, was flowing at 6.76 ft against its danger level of 6.50 ft, though its level was also showing a falling trend and was expected to recede further.

Authorities continue to monitor river levels and have stepped up precautionary measures in vulnerable locations.

No shortage of essential supplies

The state government said there is currently no critical shortage of response forces, food, drinking water, medicines or relief materials in the affected areas. Additional resources are available for deployment if required.

The Office of the Special Relief Commissioner is maintaining continuous surveillance through the SEOC and coordinating with district administrations and DEOCs on a 24-hour basis.

With relief and restoration operations continuing across the affected districts, the state’s response remains focused on protecting lives, assisting affected families and ensuring a safe return to normalcy.