Bhubaneswar, August 16: The flooding situation in Odisha remains critical. While water levels in some major rivers are beginning to recede, many areas remain submerged, leaving thousands affected by the disaster.
Continuous rainfall due to low pressure has worsened conditions in several regions, resulting in flooding on Saturday.
According to the latest report from the State Emergency Operations Center (SEOC) under the Office of the Special Relief Commissioner (SRC), six districts, 52 blocks, 227 gram panchayats, and 503 villages have been impacted, affecting approximately 270,212 individuals.
Authorities are closely monitoring the situation in collaboration with District Emergency Operations Centers (DEOCs), with special attention given to Mayurbhanj, Balasore, Bhadrak, Jajpur, and Kendujhar.
The SEOC report states, “As of today, 95,206 individuals have been relocated to safe areas and accommodated in 226 shelter homes, where essential services such as clean cooked food, drinking water, sanitation, lighting, and medical facilities are provided.”
Additionally, a total of 118 response teams have been deployed to assist in evacuating people from affected areas, conducting rescue operations, and managing emergency responses.
The report further details that these teams include 36 Odisha Disaster Rapid Action Force (ODRAF) teams, 7 National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) teams, 35 fire and emergency service teams, and 40 police/civil defense/local teams. More response teams are on standby and will be deployed as needed to ensure timely assistance reaches vulnerable and affected areas.
According to the SEOC, health services remain a top priority. Sixty-two medical teams have been deployed in affected areas, with adequate stockpiles of medicines, ORS, IV fluids, and anti-snake venom available to meet any urgent needs. Furthermore, 31 veterinary teams/rapid response teams have been deployed, and 22 veterinary camps have been established.
So far, 51 animals have received treatment or vaccinations, and 357.2 metric tons of animal feed have been made available to support livestock and affected communities.
The report also highlights that response teams and relevant departments are working around the clock to ensure that essential relief, medical assistance, drinking water, food, and other necessities reach affected communities without delay.
The SRC stated, “The entire situation is being closely monitored, and all relevant administrations and departments have been instructed to remain prepared for any new requirements. The state’s coordinated response system is focused on saving lives, assisting affected families, and ensuring a safe and smooth return to normalcy for everyone.”
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