Flood Fury / Health Department Orders CDMOs to Stock Anti‑Snake Venom as Flood Crisis Deepens in Odisha

Bhubaneswar, Jul 29: The Odisha government has intensified its response to the worsening flood situation across northern and coastal districts, with the Health Department convening a high-level review meeting chaired by the Principal Secretary.

District Collectors and Chief District Medical Officers (CDMOs) have been instructed to remain on high alert, ensuring medical preparedness and immediate relocation of vulnerable groups, including pregnant women.

Officials emphasized the need to stock anti-snake venom at all medical facilities, given the heightened risk of snakebites during floods. Medical colleges in northern Odisha have been placed on alert, with teams ready for deployment to affected areas.

Also read: Odisha Faces Severe Floods as Salandi and Baitarani Rivers Overflow

Authorities assured that COVID-19 precautions remain in place alongside flood response measures.

Flood Impact in Northern Odisha

According to the State Relief Commissioner (SRC), over 2.32 lakh people have been affected across 233 gram panchayats in 44 blocks of northern Odisha.

Rescue operations are ongoing, with 27,967 people already relocated to safer shelters. Tragically, four lives have been lost due to the floods.

Agriculture has suffered a severe blow, with nearly 7,900 hectares of farmland submerged. Additionally, 761 houses have been reported damaged, leaving many families homeless.

Relief distribution and damage assessment are underway, with the administration promising necessary assistance to affected communities.

Rising Water Levels

The situation is further complicated by rising water levels in Jharkhand’s Galudih Barrage. By Wednesday morning, five spillway gates had been opened, releasing 1,645.76 cusecs of water per second into the Subarnarekha river.

This has raised concerns of rising water levels downstream, prompting advisories for riverside residents to remain vigilant.

Flood Fury in Baitarani River Basin

The Baitarani river has inundated several areas in Bhadrak and Jajpur districts. In Dhamnagar block, floodwaters rose five feet above roads, disrupting connectivity between Dhamnagar and Jajpur.

Over 20 villages remain marooned, with water flowing above danger levels at Akhuapada. The Bhadrak–Jajpur link has been cut off, leaving many villages submerged.

Heavy Rains Submerge Soro Block

Continuous rainfall has left Soro block and municipality in Balasore district reeling. Villages such as Tenteli, Anantapur, Pakhar, Kedarpur, Talnagar, Sabira, and Dahisada are submerged, forcing residents to move to cyclone shelters. In Jagannathpur village, floodwaters have entered homes, damaging household items.

Rescue Operations in Nilgiri

In Nilgiri subdivision, floodwaters from Son and Kal rivers trapped residents of Kolhapal village. Relief teams evacuated 20 people by boat, while cooked food was arranged for nearly 5,000 affected residents. Rising waters have also disrupted road connectivity between Mitrapur and Udala, leaving several villages marooned.

Transport Disruption in Banshpal Block

Floodwaters flowing five feet above the Baitarani river bridge on the Shuakathi–Banshpal road have halted traffic, stranding hundreds of vehicles on both sides. Local officials have sealed the route for safety.

Administrative Measures

The breach of river embankments in Jayantara has caused water to enter homes, affecting over 100 families. Former Collector and Excise Commissioner P. Anwesha Reddy has been assigned additional responsibility for flood management. She inspected relief shelters in Kasapa and Brahmachari Patana, assuring affected residents of government support.

With floodwaters continuing to rise and heavy rainfall forecast, the administration remains on high alert, focusing on rescue, relief, and rehabilitation efforts across the worst-hit districts.