Flood Fury / Flood Situation Remains Grim In Odisha; IMD Forecasts More Rainfall

Bhubaneswar, Aug 18: Odisha continues to reel under a worsening flood crisis as relentless depression-induced rainfall swells rivers and inundates villages across northern districts, officials said on Tuesday. With the India Meteorological Department (IMD) predicting further heavy showers, both human lives and livestock remain under mounting threat.

Human Impact and Relief Package

Officials said that nearly 9.40 lakh people across seven districts have been affected, with 3.30 lakh already evacuated to safer locations. Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi, after reviewing the situation in Balasore, Bhadrak, Jajpur, Mayurbhanj, Keonjhar, and Kendrapara, announced a Rs1,000 crore relief package to bolster rescue, rehabilitation, and compensation measures.

Livestock Losses and Emergency Care

Floods have severely impacted 88 blocks in Bhadrak, Jajpur, Balasore, Keonjhar, Mayurbhanj, Jagatsinghpur, and Kendrapara. Nearly 2.92 lakh cattle, 1.61 lakh goats and sheep, 83,265 farmers, and 44,459 poultry birds are affected.

The Fisheries and Animal Resources Department has deployed 36 Rapid Response Teams and set up 50 animal health camps. Vaccination drives are underway, and fodder supplies are being dispatched as per district requirements.

Minister Gokulananda Mallik emphasized that livestock health and farmers’ livelihoods are being closely safeguarded.

Rivers Under Watch

Water Resources Engineer-in-Chief Dillip Kumar Rout stated that while the Baitarani and Brahmani rivers remain static, they may swell further due to upstream rainfall. The Subarnarekha river poses a threat to Balasore’s Basta, Baliapal, and Jaleswar blocks as excess water from Jharkhand flows downstream. Experts ruled out flooding in the Mahanadi system, citing controlled discharge from Hirakud dam.
Also Read: 'Heart Attack' Amid Odisha Floods! Fire Services Personnel Race To Save ASHA Worker

IMD Warnings and Relief Operations

The IMD has issued an orange warning for Sundergarh, Jharsuguda, and Baragarh, and a yellow warning for Sambalpur, Deogarh, Keonjhar, Subarnapur, and Bolangir. Thunderstorms with gusty winds up to 40 kmph are expected.

To tackle the crisis, the state has deployed 45 ODRAF teams, eight NDRF units, and 53 fire service squads. Fishermen have been advised against venturing into the sea as conditions remain rough along the Odisha coast.