Flood Fury / Odisha CM To Undertake Aerial Survey of Flood-Hit Areas Tomorrow

Bhubaneswar, Jul 31: Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi will conduct an aerial survey of flood-affected districts on August 1, even as opposition parties accused him of “feasting in Delhi” during the crisis. The state continues to grapple with widespread flooding, impacting lakhs of people across multiple districts.

Opposition leaders criticised Majhi for being in New Delhi while Odisha battled severe floods, alleging negligence in crisis management. The ruling BJP countered that the Chief Minister’s visit was aimed at securing Central support, citing his meetings with Union Home Minister Amit Shah, Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw and NITI Aayog officials.

According to official figures, over seven lakh people across 20 districts have been affected. Relief and rescue operations are underway, with 136 teams from the NDRF, ODRAF and fire services deployed. The state has opened 520 relief centres, sheltering nearly two lakh people, while 1.90 lakh residents have been evacuated to safety.

Authorities at Hirakud Dam have opened 22 sluice gates to discharge excess water into the Mahanadi river system. The reservoir level stood at 624.95 feet against its full capacity of 630 feet, with inflows exceeding outflows. The flood wave is expected to reach the Mahanadi delta by Sunday night–Monday, coinciding with high tide in the Bay of Bengal, raising concerns of waterlogging in low-lying areas.

During his Delhi meetings, Majhi sought continued Central support for Odisha’s development and highlighted the state’s recognition as a “Naxal-free” region. Union Home Minister Amit Shah assured full backing for Odisha’s welfare and flood management efforts.

The aerial survey on August 1 is expected to provide a clearer picture of the extent of damage and guide further relief measures, even as political sparring continues over the Chief Minister’s handling of the crisis.