Flood Fury / Flood Situation Remains Grim In Odisha; 12.85 Lakh People Affected

Bhubaneswar, Aug 20: The flood situation continues to remain grim in Odisha with fresh areas inundated, leaving nearly 12.85 lakh people affected across six districts. Balasore remains the worst-hit as the Subarnarekha River breached danger levels on Thursday, forcing mass evacuations and crippling road connectivity.

The swelling rivers have inundated hundreds of villages, with State Highway 57 submerged, halting traffic between Jaleswar and Chandaneswar.

Authorities have evacuated more than 4.28 lakh residents to 728 relief shelters. Free kitchens, medical camps, and veterinary teams are operational, while NDRF, ODRAF, and Fire Services continue rescue operations in the affected districts. The administration has also deployed 179 response teams to manage the crisis.

The floods have caused extensive damage to agriculture, with nearly 70,000 hectares of paddy fields destroyed. Livestock and poultry losses have added to the distress, with over 55,000 cattle and more than five lakh poultry affected.

In flood-hit areas, residents are grappling with acute shortages of food, drinking water and electricity, compounded by inadequate shelter. The threat from crocodiles, snakes and other poisonous reptiles has deepened their distress. Health concerns are mounting, with snakebite and diarrheal cases reported from relief camps.
Also Read: Odisha CM Announces Rs1,000 Cr Relief Package For Flood-Hit Areas

The Centre has released Rs500 crore under the State Disaster Response Fund, while Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi announced a Rs1,000-crore relief package for six flood-affected districts.

Officials, however, caution that Balasore may take longer to recover due to persistent river swelling and embankment breaches along vulnerable stretches. With embankments under strain and medical needs rising, the administration remains on high alert.