Bhubaneswar, July 31: The flood situation in Odisha remained critical on Friday, with floodwaters affecting 57 blocks across 15 districts, prompting the state government to intensify relief and rescue operations. Reviewing the situation, Revenue and Disaster Management Minister Suresh Pujari said nearly 7.92 lakh people have been impacted, while 2.69 lakh people continue to remain marooned in flood-hit areas.
According to the Minister, the floods have affected 446 gram panchayats, 1,362 villages and 174 wards under 11 urban local bodies. To assist displaced families, the state government has opened 647 relief centres, where cooked food, dry rations, safe drinking water and other essential facilities are being provided. Fodder has also been arranged at 20 locations to protect livestock in the affected regions.
Preliminary assessments indicate that around 21,380 hectares of agricultural land and nearly 700 houses have suffered damage. Assuring farmers of government support, Pujari said compensation would be disbursed promptly after detailed damage assessment reports are received.
The Minister said that except the Mahanadi, all major rivers, including the Kushabhadra, Ib, Jalka, Rushikulya, Baitarani and Brahmani, are now flowing below the danger level. However, water levels in the Mahanadi continue to rise. He noted that 12 gates of the Hirakud Dam are currently open, with additional gates likely to be opened to regulate inflows. The released water is expected to reach Munduli in about 40 hours, and authorities are taking precautionary measures in advance.
Pujari said Jajpur, Bhadrak and Balasore remain the worst-affected districts, while collectors of Cuttack, Puri, Kendrapara, Jagatsinghpur and Khordha have been directed to remain on high alert. The government has also sought reports on flood-affected schools, anganwadi centres, health facilities and vulnerable river embankments. Expressing optimism, the Minister said the overall flood situation is likely to improve within the next 24 hours as water levels in several rivers continue to recede.
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