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Bhubaneswar, Odisha: The Odisha flood situation continued to remain serious on Tuesday as six districts of the state reported flood-related impacts following persistent rainfall and rising river levels. Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi said the state government has intensified evacuation, rescue and relief operations in vulnerable areas.
The Chief Minister personally travelled by road to Jajpur and Bhadrak districts on Monday to assess the ground situation and review the relief measures being undertaken by local administrations. He said the government is closely monitoring affected areas and taking steps to move residents to safer locations.
The latest Odisha flood situation has affected Jajpur, Bhadrak, Balasore, Mayurbhanj, Keonjhar and Kendrapara districts, with several villages, blocks and urban areas reporting inundation.
Jajpur Sees Widespread Flood Impact
According to Chief Minister Majhi, 10 blocks, 270 villages and one urban area in Jajpur district have been affected by the Odisha flood. The administration has undertaken large-scale evacuation operations to protect residents living in vulnerable locations.
More than 200,000 people have been affected by the situation in the district, while 77,680 people have already been moved to safer locations. Authorities have established 291 relief camps to provide shelter and essential assistance to displaced residents.
The Chief Minister said the administration is continuously monitoring the situation and coordinating rescue and relief operations to ensure that people stranded in flooded areas receive timely assistance.
Bhadrak Also Severely Affected
Bhadrak district has also witnessed significant flooding. Majhi said four blocks comprising 134 villages and one urban area have been affected.
Around 196,240 people in Bhadrak have faced either total or partial impact from the Odisha flood. Several vulnerable areas remain under close observation as water levels continue to rise in parts of the state.
The Chief Minister noted that Balasore and Bhadrak have experienced the impact of floods multiple times, making preparedness and rapid response particularly important in these districts.
NDRF and Fire Service Teams Deployed
To strengthen rescue operations, the Odisha government has deployed 39 teams of the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) along with 51 Fire Service units.
These teams are working in coordination with district administrations to evacuate residents, assist stranded people and provide emergency support in flood-affected locations.
The deployment of specialised rescue teams has become a major part of the state’s response to the Odisha flood, particularly in areas where road connectivity has been disrupted or villages have become surrounded by floodwater.
Authorities are also maintaining medical preparedness in vulnerable areas to address possible health emergencies during and after the flooding.
Financial Assistance Provided
Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi said the government has already provided financial assistance amounting to Rs 136 crore in two to three instalments.
The financial support is intended to assist affected people and administrations dealing with the consequences of flooding. Majhi also indicated that certain restrictions could be relaxed after the government conducts a further assessment of the situation.
The government is expected to take additional decisions depending on rainfall, river levels, damage assessment and the condition of vulnerable communities.
More Than 300 Students Affected in Kendrapara
The Odisha flood has also affected educational institutions. More than 300 students were impacted after floodwaters entered Pattamundai Kulsahi Ashram School in Kendrapara district.
The development has raised concerns over the safety and well-being of students as floodwaters continue to affect parts of the district.
Higher Education Minister Suryabanshi Suraj said authorities were following the Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) adopted during previous flood situations. These measures include the distribution of dry rations and arrangements for free community kitchens.
The administration is working to ensure that affected residents and students receive food and other essential supplies during the crisis.
Several Blocks Inundated in Bhadrak
In Bhadrak, Dhamnagar, Bhandaripokhari, Chandbali and Tihidi blocks are currently affected.
Officials reported that around 20 to 22 panchayats have been inundated in Dhamnagar alone, underlining the scale of the Odisha flood situation.
With rainfall continuing in several areas, authorities are maintaining surveillance over low-lying villages and areas located close to rivers and other water bodies.
Evacuation remains a priority wherever water levels pose a threat to residential areas.
Earlier IMD Flood Assessment
According to India Meteorological Department (IMD) information issued on August 15, floodwaters had affected 429 villages across 52 blocks in Odisha, while 79 rescue teams had been deployed.
The figures highlight the extent of the developing Odisha flood situation and the scale of the response required across multiple districts.
As rainfall patterns continue to change, authorities are closely monitoring river levels and weather forecasts to determine whether additional areas could face flooding.
IMD Issues Heavy Rainfall Alert
The weather situation remains a major concern. The IMD has forecast further heavy rainfall in parts of Odisha and issued an alert for 11 districts.
Continued rainfall could increase pressure on rivers and drainage systems, potentially worsening flooding in already affected areas.
The Central Water Commission has also warned of flash-flood risks in parts of Odisha. The warning has prompted authorities to remain prepared for sudden increases in water levels, particularly in vulnerable locations.
Residents in low-lying areas have been advised to follow instructions issued by local authorities and move to safer locations whenever evacuation orders are issued.
Government Intensifies Monitoring
The state administration continues to monitor vulnerable areas and coordinate evacuation, rescue, relief distribution and medical preparedness.
The government is using district-level officials and specialised disaster-response teams to assess the situation and respond to emerging emergencies.
With six districts currently affected, the focus remains on preventing loss of life and ensuring timely assistance to people displaced by the Odisha flood.
Relief camps are providing shelter to evacuated residents, while community kitchens and dry ration distribution are helping meet food requirements.
Odisha Flood Situation Remains Under Watch
The Odisha flood situation remains under close watch as rainfall continues and river levels fluctuate across several districts. Jajpur and Bhadrak have reported extensive impacts, while Balasore, Mayurbhanj, Keonjhar and Kendrapara have also been affected.
The deployment of NDRF teams, Fire Service personnel and other emergency responders is expected to strengthen rescue operations. Meanwhile, the government is assessing the need for additional financial assistance and administrative measures.
Weather forecasts and river-level monitoring will remain crucial over the coming days. Authorities are urging residents in vulnerable areas to remain alert and cooperate with evacuation and safety measures.
With further heavy rainfall forecast and a flash-flood warning issued for parts of the state, the Odisha flood situation could remain challenging until weather conditions improve and water levels begin to recede.
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