The recent floods have affected 15 districts across Odisha, impacting nearly 7.92 lakh people, Revenue and Disaster Management Minister Suresh Pujari said on Friday after reviewing the overall flood situation in the state.
According to official data, the floods have affected 57 blocks, 446 gram panchayats, 1,362 villages, 11 urban areas and 174 wards. Of the total affected population, nearly 2,68,943 people remain marooned in waterlogged areas.
Government Intensifies Relief and Rescue Operations
Minister Pujari said the Odisha government is closely monitoring the evolving situation and has intensified rescue, relief and restoration efforts across the flood-affected districts.
He added that the remaining 15 districts of the state are currently free from any flood-related threat, while authorities continue to keep a close watch on vulnerable areas.
Extensive Damage to Agriculture and Houses
The floods have caused significant damage to agriculture and residential properties across the affected regions.
According to preliminary estimates:
- 7,91,846 people have been affected.
- 2,68,943 people remain marooned.
- 21,380 hectares of agricultural land have been damaged.
- Around 700 houses have been damaged.
- 647 relief centres have been opened to shelter displaced residents.
The relief camps are providing food, drinking water, medical assistance and other essential supplies to those affected.
Minister Reviews Situation
Speaking to reporters, Suresh Pujari said:
“Out of the 30 districts of Odisha, 15 districts are largely out of danger. A total of 7,91,846 people have been affected in the remaining 15 districts. Altogether, 57 blocks, 446 gram panchayats, 1,362 villages, 11 urban areas and 174 wards have been affected.”
He further said:
“The total number of people who are marooned is around 2,68,943. Around 21,380 hectares of farmland have been affected, and as per the initial report available with us, nearly 700 houses have been damaged. About 647 relief camps are currently operational.”
Water Levels Receding in Most Rivers
The minister said water levels in most rivers that had crossed the warning or danger mark have begun to recede gradually.
According to the government, water levels in the Devi, Kushabhadra, Ib, Brahmani, Baitarani, Budhabalanga, Subarnarekha, Vansadhara, Rushikulya and Jalaka rivers have now fallen below the warning level.
However, the Mahanadi River continues to swell, making it the primary area of concern for the state administration.
Mahanadi Remains the Major Concern
Earlier on Friday, authorities described the flood situation as entering a critical phase, with more than 9.5 lakh cusecs of floodwater expected to pass through Mundali in Cuttack.
Officials have urged residents in vulnerable and low-lying areas to remain alert as rising water levels in the Mahanadi could affect several downstream districts and distributary river systems over the coming days.
The Odisha government has directed district administrations to remain on high alert and continue rescue, relief and restoration measures until the flood situation improves.
