Bhubaneswar,Aug 18 [UDN}: As the flood situation continues in several parts of Odisha, relief, rescue, restoration and essential service operations are being carried out continuously in the affected areas. Today, Hon’ble Revenue and Disaster Management Minister Shri Suresh Pujari reviewed the flood situation at the office of the Special Relief Commissioner (SRC). During the meeting, the Minister stated that the State Government is fully prepared to ensure the safety of people’s lives and property. He also stressed the need to take effective and permanent measures to address recurring flood situations in the coming days.
According to the report of the State Emergency Operation Centre (SEOC) functioning under the Office of the Special Relief Commissioner, the floods have affected 6 districts, 52 blocks, 227 Gram Panchayats and 503 villages. Around 2,70,212 people have been affected by the floods. The situation is being continuously monitored in coordination with the respective District Emergency Operation Centres (DEOCs). Special attention is being given to Mayurbhanj, Balasore, Bhadrak, Jajpur and Keonjhar districts.
Briefing the media, Minister Suresh Pujari said that so far, approximately 95,206 people have been evacuated and accommodated in 226 relief shelters. The shelters have been equipped with essential facilities, including hygienically prepared cooked food, safe drinking water, sanitation, lighting and medical assistance. Special arrangements have also been made for children, pregnant women, elderly persons and persons with disabilities.
Free kitchens are operating in the affected areas, while dry food and other relief materials are being supplied according to requirements. Relief and restoration activities are continuing on a regular basis based on the needs of the affected population.
A total of 118 response teams have been deployed for rescue, evacuation, relief and emergency response operations in the affected areas. These include 36 ODRAF teams, 7 NDRF teams, 35 Fire and Emergency Services teams, and 40 Police/Civil Defence/local teams. Additional response teams have also been kept ready for immediate deployment in vulnerable and affected areas whenever required.
Health and Veterinary Services Given Priority
Health services have been accorded the highest priority during the flood situation. Sixty-two medical teams have been deployed in the affected areas. Adequate stocks of medicines, ORS, IV fluids and anti-snake venom have been maintained to meet emergency requirements.
Similarly, 31 veterinary teams have been deployed and 22 veterinary camps have been arranged. So far, 51 animals have received treatment/vaccination. To support livestock and affected families, 518.74 metric tonnes of cattle feed have been supplied.
River Water Levels Showing a Declining Trend
According to the water-level data available up to 6 PM today, water levels in several major rivers have been gradually declining.
Baitarani: At Anandapur, the water level stood at 36.81 feet, below the danger level of 38.36 feet. At Akhuapada, the level was 18.14 feet, also below the danger mark of 18.33 feet, and continues to decline.
Budhabalanga: The water level has fallen to 6.98 feet, below the danger level of 8.13 feet.
Subarnarekha: At Jamsholaghat, the water level was 47.88 feet, below the danger level of 49.16 feet. However, at Rajghat, the water level stood at 10.48 feet, which is above the danger level of 10.36 feet, and is therefore being continuously monitored.
Jalaka: The water level was 6.62 feet, slightly above the danger level of 6.50 feet. However, the level is gradually declining and is expected to fall further.
Brahmani: At Panposh, the water level stood at 175.62 feet, below the danger level of 178.42 feet. At Jenapur, the level was 22.13 feet, against a danger level of 23 feet, and the situation is being closely monitored.
Authorities are continuously monitoring the water levels of all these rivers, while preventive measures are being taken at vulnerable and sensitive locations.
Importantly, no serious shortage of response forces, food, drinking water, medicines or relief materials has been reported. Additional resources have also been kept ready for deployment according to requirements.
24×7 Monitoring and Coordination
The Office of the Special Relief Commissioner is continuously monitoring the flood situation 24×7 through the State Emergency Operation Centre. Round-the-clock coordination is being maintained with district administrations and DEOCs.
Response teams and concerned departments are working continuously to ensure that relief materials, medical assistance, drinking water, food and other essential supplies reach affected people without delay.
The State Government is keeping a close watch on the overall situation and has directed all concerned district administrations and departments to remain fully prepared and alert to address any emerging requirement immediately. The coordinated response mechanism is working continuously to protect lives, assist affected families and ensure a safe and smooth return to normal life.
Action Ordered Against Private Power Company Over Water Release
During the review, it was also informed that a problem had arisen in Keonjhar following the release of stored water by a private hydropower-generating company, Baitarani Power Project Limited, allegedly without prior information.
The Minister stated that the same private company had reportedly created a similar problem during the rainy season last year as well. Taking the matter seriously, the District Collector has been directed to conduct an inquiry into the issue.
Minister Suresh Pujari has directed that strong action be taken against the company based on the findings of the investigation report.
3,794 Hectares of Agricultural Land Affected
Approximately 3,794 hectares of agricultural land have been affected by the floods. However, no significant rainfall was reported in the state today, August 15, although light rainfall occurred at several places.
According to information received from the Meteorological Department, there is a possibility of another deep depression developing over the Bay of Bengal, which may result in rainfall during the next four days.
In view of the possibility of further rainfall, an Orange Warning has been issued for Mayurbhanj, Keonjhar and Balasore districts. Preparations have been made after discussions and coordination with the District Collectors, the Water Resources Department, the Special Relief Commissioner’s office and the Energy Department.
The administration has been instructed to remain vigilant and take all necessary preventive measures in vulnerable areas so that any fresh deterioration in the flood situation can be addressed promptly.
The meeting was attended by Special Relief Commissioner Shri Rajesh Prabhakar Patil, senior departmental officials and, through virtual mode, senior officials concerned from the district level.
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