Bhubaneswar, July 29: The Odisha government has cancelled the leave of all government officers and employees in eight flood-affected districts as it stepped up relief and rescue operations to tackle the worsening flood situation across the state. Revenue and Disaster Management Minister Suresh Pujari announced the decision on Wednesday, stating that the administration has been placed on maximum alert to ensure a swift and coordinated response.
Addressing the media, Pujari said police, Fire Services and other emergency response teams have been deployed at vulnerable locations, while officials have been instructed to remain available round the clock. He said the government is closely monitoring the evolving situation and taking all necessary measures to safeguard lives and property.
According to the minister, the floods have claimed three lives, all reported from Keonjhar district, while more than two lakh people across six districts and 44 blocks have been affected. Between 27,000 and 30,000 people have been shifted to safer locations, though 226 villages continue to remain waterlogged due to overflowing rivers and persistent rainfall.
Pujari said district administrations are ensuring uninterrupted relief operations by providing cooked meals, baby food, drinking water and other essential supplies at relief camps. Dry rations are also being distributed to families who have chosen to remain in their homes, while polythene sheets have been supplied to those whose houses have been damaged.
To prevent disease outbreaks, medical teams have been deployed across flood-hit areas with adequate stocks of essential medicines, including anti-snake venom injections, considering the increased risk of snakebite incidents during floods.
The minister said the government is also keeping a close watch on the Hirakud reservoir and other major reservoirs following continuous rainfall in the upper catchment of the Mahanadi river. At present, two gates of Hirakud Dam remain open and the reservoir’s water level is around 600 feet. The government plans to maintain the reservoir level up to 620 feet, and additional gates will be opened if necessary.
Warning that water discharge from the dam could reach nine lakh cusecs in the coming days, Pujari urged residents living in downstream areas to remain vigilant and cooperate with local authorities. He noted that floodwaters have started receding in some places, including Balasore, allowing many displaced residents to return home. However, fresh rainfall in the lower Mahanadi basin has prompted the administration to maintain a high level of preparedness.
The minister also paid tribute to a Fire Services personnel who lost his life while carrying out water drainage operations in Keonjhar. He added that Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi, currently in New Delhi, has been reviewing the flood situation regularly over the phone and issuing necessary directions to officials to ensure effective disaster management and timely relief to affected communities.
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