Bhubaneswar, Aug 14: Odisha is facing a flood-like situation in several areas following incessant rainfall and rising water levels in major rivers, with 45 panchayats across four districts reported affected so far, Special Relief Commissioner (SRC) Rajesh Prabhakar Patil said on Friday.
Reviewing the state’s flood preparedness, Patil said there is a possibility of medium-level flooding in Balasore, Bhadrak and Jajpur, with water levels in the Jalaka, Salandi, Baitarani, Budhabalanga and Subarnarekha rivers expected to rise further.
The SRC said a flood situation has already emerged in the Subarnarekha river, while the Budhabalanga has crossed the danger mark following heavy rainfall. The rising water levels are likely to affect low-lying areas of Balasore district.
In Balasore, 15 panchayats under Balasore Sadar and Remuna blocks have been affected. Officials have been deployed in vulnerable locations to closely monitor the situation and coordinate relief and evacuation operations.
Patil said 10 ODRAF teams and seven NDRF teams have already been deployed, while four additional teams have been kept on standby. Eight response teams are currently deployed in Balasore, while two ODRAF teams and one NDRF team have been positioned in Jajpur. Two teams are deployed in Bhadrak and one in Keonjhar.
According to the SRC, heavy rainfall in neighbouring Jharkhand has contributed to high water levels in rivers flowing into Odisha. Relief centres have been opened in affected areas, while around 3,000 people were shifted to safer locations on Thursday. Evacuation operations are continuing in vulnerable areas.
Collectors of the affected districts have been instructed to remain on high alert and closely monitor the situation. Patil said the administration is fully prepared to tackle a medium-level flood and ensure timely relief and rescue operations.
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