Bhubaneswar, July 29: Odisha has been hit hard by severe flooding, resulting in the tragic deaths of at least three individuals and impacting over 200,000 residents. Revenue and Disaster Management Minister Suresh Pujari reported that continuous rainfall and rising river levels have led to this disaster across several districts.
During a press conference following a review meeting, Pujari highlighted that the districts most affected include Balasore, Bhadrak, Jajpur, Mayurbhanj, and Keonjhar. As of midday, 44 blocks, 243 gram panchayats, and 748 villages in these areas had been severely impacted.
The rainfall has also affected parts of Sundargarh, Jharsuguda, Bargarh, Nuapada, Bolangir, Kalahandi, Rayagada, Gajapati, and Malkangiri. In Keonjhar district, three fatalities were reported, including a fire service worker. A minor drowned in floodwaters, while an elderly man lost his life due to a collapsing wall. The fire service employee, Chandan Patnaik, died after coming into contact with a live wire while working on water extraction.
Pujari further stated that nearly 30,000 individuals from low-lying areas in six affected districts have been relocated to safer locations and relief centers. Residents from sensitive areas in other districts have also been moved to safety. Those relocated have been provided with cooked meals.
The minister assured that adequate baby food is available for children, and special arrangements have been made for the elderly and women at the relief centers. However, 226 villages still face waterlogging issues.
Fortunately, in several areas, particularly in Balasore district, water levels have begun to recede, allowing residents to gradually return home from relief centers. Reviewing the river conditions, he noted that rainfall has commenced in the upper catchment areas of Chhattisgarh.
Currently, two gates of the Hirakud Dam are open, and the reservoir’s water level remains within safe operational limits.
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