Bhubaneswar, Jun 30: Odisha Revenue and Disaster Management Minister Suresh Pujari stated on Monday that while water levels in rivers like Budhabalanga and Jalaka are receding, the Subarnarekha River continues to rise, triggering flood concerns in parts of northern Odisha.

The flood-like conditions, he explained, are exacerbated annually due to incomplete construction of Jharkhand’s Chandil Dam and sudden water discharge during heavy rainfall.

Pujari confirmed that the Odisha government is in active coordination with the Jharkhand authorities regarding the volume of water released. Meanwhile, proactive steps are being taken to protect and aid flood-affected residents in districts like Mayurbhanj, Balasore, and Keonjhar.

In Balasore district, low-lying areas such as Basta, Remuna, Bhograi, and Jaleshwar have seen water intrusion. In response, multiple breaches are being repaired, and anti-venom supplies have been stocked at CHCs and PHCs amid concerns of increased snakebite incidents post-flooding.

Across the two worst-affected districts:

- 5,076 people in Mayurbhanj and 1,138 people in Balasore have been relocated.

- 77 Gram Panchayats in Mayurbhanj and 35 in Balasore have reported impacts.

- A total of 14 blocks have been affected across both regions.

To manage the crisis, the government has opened 50 free kitchens (44 in Mayurbhanj, 6 in Balasore), and deployed 11 ODRAF units, 15 fire services teams, as well as multiple medical and veterinary response teams.

Additionally, experienced officials familiar with the flood-prone zones have been dispatched to coordinate on-ground relief. The Revenue and Disaster Management Minister of Odisha reassured that the state is prepared for continued relief and rescue efforts in the coming days.

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