Jajpur, July 31 (UDN): The flood crisis in Odisha’s Jajpur district has worsened significantly after multiple breaches in major rivers inundated vast stretches of the district, affecting nearly 250 villages across around 100 gram panchayats and disrupting the lives of more than one lakh residents.
Authorities said nearly 10,000 people have been evacuated from vulnerable areas and moved to safer locations as floodwaters continued to spread into low-lying pockets. Although water levels in some rivers have shown signs of receding, officials remain on high alert due to the possibility of renewed inflows.
Seven Breaches Trigger Fresh Inundation
According to official sources, seven breaches have been reported in embankments and river channels linked to the Baitarani, Brahmani, Kharasrota, and Budha rivers, aggravating the flood situation across the district.
Four new breaches were reported along the Brahmani River on Thursday, resulting in extensive flooding in several parts of Bari block. Another breach occurred overnight near Nua Mahara on a distributary of the Kharasrota River, allowing floodwaters to enter additional villages.
Officials are closely monitoring the Baitarani and Brahmani rivers, warning that any further rise in water levels could worsen the situation in already affected areas.
Relief and Rescue Efforts Underway
The district administration has intensified relief operations, with evacuation teams continuing to shift residents from vulnerable locations. Temporary shelters have been opened for displaced families, while the administration has arranged cooked meals at 20 relief centres, where food is being served twice daily.
Drinking water, essential medicines and other relief materials are also being supplied to flood-hit villages to prevent shortages and reduce health risks.
Government Steps Up Response
The Odisha government has directed officials to strengthen relief and rehabilitation measures across flood-affected districts. During a review meeting on Thursday, Revenue and Disaster Management Minister Suresh Pujari instructed district collectors to accelerate rescue operations, ensure timely assistance to affected families and submit detailed preliminary damage assessment reports within three days.
The Minister also directed authorities to provide security for homes vacated during evacuations and deploy medical teams equipped with adequate stocks of anti-venom medicines to tackle the heightened risk of snakebite incidents in inundated areas.
With floodwaters still posing a threat in several pockets, the administration has appealed to residents to remain vigilant and cooperate with evacuation and relief teams until the situation stabilises.
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