Flood Fury / Odisha Minister Announces Major Flood Damage Assessment Across 23 Districts

Bhubaneswar, Aug 2: The flood situation in Odisha has begun to improve, with the state government launching a comprehensive damage assessment across 23 affected districts even as restoration and relief measures continue.

Revenue and Disaster Management Minister Suresh Pujari on Sunday said officials have been directed to complete damage assessments on priority, including losses to agriculture, houses, schools and Anganwadi centres, while ensuring the restoration of essential infrastructure and drinking water sources.

Damage Assessment Underway Across Affected Districts
Pujari said the Revenue and Agriculture departments have begun assessing the extent of flood damage across the 23 affected districts.

Revenue officials will conduct village-level surveys to prepare reports on damaged houses, while District Collectors have been instructed to ensure accurate assessment of crop and vegetable losses.

The minister said damage assessment reports must be submitted within 72 hours after floodwaters recede from the affected areas.

Focus On Drinking Water And Public Health
The state government has further directed officials to disinfect all drinking water sources, including borewells, ponds and wells, to prevent waterborne diseases.

Pujari said adequate stocks of anti-snake venom have been maintained in view of the increased risk of snakebite incidents during the post-flood period.

Also Read: River Embankment Breaches Worsen Odisha Flood Misery, Politics Heats Up

Schools And Anganwadi Centres To Receive Special Assistance
The government has sought immediate reports on damage to schools and Anganwadi centres across the affected districts.

Based on the assessment, special financial assistance will be provided for the restoration of damaged educational and childcare infrastructure, the minister said.

Government Orders Measures To Prevent Future Breaches
"Following multiple embankment breaches during the floods, the Water Resources Department was directed to undertake immediate repair work and strengthen vulnerable embankments to prevent similar incidents in the future", Pujari said.

Pujari said ministers will visit flood-affected districts to assess the situation on the ground, while various departments and district administrations have been instructed to prepare long-term plans aimed at reducing the impact of future floods.