Odisha: Floods continue in six districts, situation likely to improve soon

Bhubaneswar, Aug 14 (IANS) Several districts of Odisha, especially in the northern part of the state, continue to reel from flooding, with authorities expecting substantial improvement over the next couple of days.

The state government on Friday said flood conditions prevailed in Baleshwar, Mayurbhanj, Bhadrak, Sundargarh, Jajpur and Kendujhar districts. As many as 52 Blocks, 170 Gram Panchayats and 429 villages in these six districts have been affected. The government further stated that 2,09,687 people in the affected districts are currently reeling under the impact of the floods.

“The situation was comparatively serious in Mayurbhanj, Baleshwar, Bhadrak, Jajpur and Sundargarh due to rise in river levels, inundation, embankment breaches and disruption of road connectivity,” the government informed.

A total of 41,881 people have been evacuated from low‑lying areas and accommodated in 127 shelters equipped with safe drinking water, sanitation, lighting, medical support, and special arrangements for children, pregnant women, elderly persons, and persons with disabilities. Relief and restoration operations are continuing, with officials monitoring the situation round the clock.

For smooth rescue and relief operations, as many as 79 Response Forces, including 39 Odisha Disaster Rapid Action Force (ODRAF), seven National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and 33 Fire and Emergency Services teams, have been deployed in the affected districts.

Speaking to media persons, Special Relief Commissioner Rajesh Prabhakar Patil on Friday said the administration has ensured cattle feed and other essential supplies are available in the affected areas. Rescue, relief and evacuation operations are being closely monitored. He said no major casualties have been reported so far.

The administration is also closely monitoring possible snakebite incidents in flood‑affected areas. According to the SRC, the flood situation has already improved in nearly 50 per cent of the affected locations. Water levels are expected to recede in most areas by Saturday afternoon, although some low‑lying areas may remain waterlogged for a couple more days.

–IANS

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