Odisha Flood Alert / Odisha Faces Flood Threat; Senior IAS Officers Deployed in Balasore, Bhadrak, Jajpur

Bhubaneswar, Jul 28: With heavy rainfall and rising river levels worsening the flood situation in Odisha, the state government has stepped up emergency measures, deploying senior IAS officers to the worst-affected districts of Balasore, Bhadrak, and Jajpur, Officials said on Tuesday.

Revenue and Disaster Management Minister Suresh Pujari, after chairing a high-level review meeting, said the next 24 hours are critical for these districts. “Three senior IAS officers have been sent to the affected districts, while senior engineers are on the ground to monitor embankments and flood control measures,” he stated.

The Baitarani river at Akhuapada has already crossed the danger mark, while water levels in the Jalka, Budhabalanga, and Salandi rivers remain above warning levels. The minister also cautioned that the situation in Mayurbhanj, Sundargarh, Keonjhar, and Sambalpur could deteriorate over the next day.

The Special Relief Commissioner’s office is operating round-the-clock, with a toll-free helpline (122) for citizens in distress. Vulnerable groups including the elderly, pregnant women, children, and livestock are being shifted to safer locations.

District-wise Measures

In Balasore, over 10,600 people have been evacuated, with cooked food distributed at 56 centres.

In Bhadrak, more than 11,000 residents across four blocks have been relocated.

In Jajpur, floods have affected 8,000 people across 21 panchayats in four blocks.

ODRAF teams have been deployed in each district, while hospitals have stocked anti-snakebite medicines. Officials from the Collector down to the Tehsildar have been instructed to remain alert and assist in evacuation.

The review meeting was attended by Chief Secretary Anu Garg, Fire Services DG Sudhanshu Sarangi, DGP Y.B. Khurania, and Special Relief Commissioner Rajesh Prabhakar Patil, underscoring the seriousness of the situation.

Meanwhile, the district administrations have urged residents in flood-prone areas to cooperate with evacuation efforts and follow safety advisories strictly.