Flood Fury / Odisha CM Conducts Aerial Survey of Flood-Hit Areas; Aid Packages Soon

Bhubaneswar, Aug 1: Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi on Saturday undertook an aerial survey of flood-hit areas across five districts of Odisha, covering more than 12 blocks severely affected by the rising waters, officials said.

Accompanied by Revenue and Disaster Management Minister Suresh Pujari and the Special Relief Commissioner, the Chief Minister reviewed the situation and assured immediate relief measures.

According to official estimates, nearly eight lakh people have been impacted by the floods, with 2.69 lakh evacuated to safer locations. Relief and rescue operations are being carried out by 17 ODRAF teams, seven NDRF units, and 129 fire and emergency service squads. Over 700 shelters and relief camps have been set up to provide food, drinking water, and medical care to displaced families.

CM Majhi stated that floodwaters are expected to recede within two days, and directed officials to submit damage assessment reports within three days of water withdrawal. Based on these reports, compensation packages for agriculture losses and damaged houses will be announced immediately. “Zero Casualty remains our priority,” he emphasized, noting that timely evacuation and coordinated efforts have minimized human loss.

The Chief Minister’s aerial survey covered affected areas in Jajpur, Bhadrak, Balasore, Mayurbhanj, and Keonjhar districts, while he also reviewed the situation in Puri district. Senior officials have been deployed at the ground level to oversee relief and rehabilitation measures.
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The state government has already released Rs26 crore from the Disaster Management Fund to support ongoing operations. Essential supplies including polythene sheets, dry and cooked food, drinking water, and medicines are being distributed to affected families. Instructions have also been issued for immediate repair of damaged roads and strict monitoring of post-flood health concerns.

CM Majhi underlined that timely alerts and preventive measures helped avert large-scale devastation. “The government is committed to ensuring swift relief and rehabilitation for all affected families,” he said.