Flood Fury / Odisha Floods: Relief Operations in Full Swing, Jagatsinghpur and Bhadrak Worst Hit

Bhubaneswar, Oct 1: Relief and rescue operations continue across flood‑hit regions of Odisha as district administrations work tirelessly to support affected communities. In Jagatsinghpur, District Collector J. Sonal personally inspected relief shelters, checked food quality, and directed officials to remain vigilant.

According to the district emergency department, floodwaters have impacted 10 gram panchayats and 12 villages in Kujang and Tirtol blocks, affecting 2,775 people. Of these, 1,131 residents were relocated to six relief centres, where free cooked meals are being provided.

Emergency supplies distributed so far include 19 quintals of flattened rice, 5.6 quintals of jaggery/sugar, 40 polythene rolls, 2,900 water bottles, 3,500 pouches, 45 candle packets, and 25 bundles of matchsticks. Four boats have been deployed for rescue operations.

Also read: Landslide Disrupts Rail Services in Odisha; Four Trains Cancelled Till Oct 3

In Bhadrak district, floodwaters from the Salandi and Baitarani rivers continue to inundate low‑lying areas. Tihidi and Chandbali blocks are worst affected, with 117 villages across 30 panchayats submerged, impacting over 1.27 lakh people.

More than 52,000 residents have been rescued, and cooked food is being served at 97 centres. Thirty‑seven health teams are active, while drinking water and dry rations are being distributed. Three ODRAF teams have been deployed in Dhamnagar, Tihidi, and Chandbali.

As a precaution, the Collector declared holidays for 131 schools across four blocks.

Meanwhile, floodwaters from the Subarnarekha river continue to trouble Baleshwar district, where villages in Baliapal, Bhograi, and Jaleswar blocks remain marooned.

This marks the fourth flood of the year, devastating thousands of hectares of farmland and damaging homes. Farmers face severe crop losses, while villagers rely on country boats to move around. Livestock are also suffering due to scarcity of fodder.

In Kendrapada’s Kanasa region, floodwaters from the Munduli barrage have worsened conditions, with over 20 villages submerged. Families are shifting to higher ground as water levels rise in the Daya and Rajua rivers.

Authorities confirm that while rainfall has eased, Hirakud dam continues to discharge water through 15 gates, with two gates closed. Officials are maintaining constant watch and promise immediate action as required.