Flood Fury / Odisha Reviews Flood Situation, 5 Lakh People Affected

Bhubaneswar, Aug 17: The Chief Secretary of Odisha on Monday reviewed the flood and rainfall situation across the state, holding discussions with district collectors of rain-affected regions.

According to IMD forecasts, heavy rainfall is expected between August 16 and 18, with intensity peaking on the 17th, easing slightly on the 18th, and normalizing by the 19th. Officials have been instructed to remain in the field, with all leave cancelled to ensure round-the-clock monitoring.

Since June 1, Odisha has recorded 953 mm of rainfall, 27% above normal. Senior officers have been deputed to Bhadrak, Baleshwar, and Jajpur to assist collectors, while the Additional Chief Engineer of the Water Resources Department has also been deployed.

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As of Monday, 49 blocks, 5 towns, and 331 gram panchayats have been affected, impacting nearly 5.15 lakh people. Around 2.37 lakh have been evacuated, and 293 relief camps are operational.

Rapid Action Teams from the Urban Development Department are on the ground, while TPNODL officials are working to restore power supply by evening wherever possible.

The government has ensured 5,000 quintals of cattle feed in reserve and deployed 36 Rapid Response Teams. Health department teams, including medical college community medicine units, are stationed at relief camps. Adequate stocks of anti-snake venom have been arranged, with RRTs conducting twice-daily field visits.

Water Resources staff are working continuously to repair breaches after controlled water release. Damage assessment is ongoing, with instructions for immediate resolution of relief-related issues.

Citizens have been cautioned against venturing into dangerous flood zones, taking selfies near water, or ignoring crocodile attack warnings.