Odisha Steps Up Flood Response, Deploys Top IAS Officers Amid Rising River Levels

With multiple rivers in northern Odisha continuing to flow above the danger mark, the state government has expanded its flood response by dispatching senior IAS officers to the worst-affected districts, reinforcing rescue teams and directing authorities to accelerate evacuations as forecasts point to further deterioration over the next 12 hours.

The latest measures come amid concerns that persistent rainfall across both upper and lower catchment areas could push river levels even higher. Revenue and Disaster Management Minister Suresh Pujari said the coming 12 hours would be critical for the state’s flood management efforts, although vulnerable residents have already been shifted to safer locations and relief arrangements are in place.

The administration has simultaneously strengthened its field command by assigning three senior IAS officers to oversee operations in the affected districts. Sudhansu Mohan Samal, Managing Director of the Odisha Mining Corporation (OMC), has been sent to Bhadrak, while K. Sudarshan Chakravarthy, Managing Director of the Odisha State Civil Supplies Corporation (OSCS), will supervise operations in Balasore. P. Anvesha Reddy, Excise Commissioner, has been deputed to Jajpur. Working alongside district collectors, the officers will monitor the evolving flood situation, coordinate relief efforts and oversee restoration work.

The government has also widened its preventive measures beyond rescue operations. Engineers from the Water Resources Department have been stationed at vulnerable embankments and sensitive river stretches to detect signs of structural weakness. Authorities have intensified night patrols, and emergency reinforcement using sandbags will be carried out immediately if any embankment breach is reported.

River conditions remain a major concern. Water levels in the Jalaka, Budhabalanga and Salandi rivers continue to stay above the danger mark, while officials are maintaining close surveillance over river systems in Mayurbhanj, Keonjhar and Sambalpur districts as rainfall persists.

As a precaution, district administrations have been instructed to prioritise the evacuation of elderly residents, pregnant women, children and livestock from vulnerable pockets. Odisha Disaster Rapid Action Force (ODRAF) teams have already been positioned across the affected districts to support evacuation, rescue and relief operations.

Law enforcement agencies have also been integrated into the flood response. Director General of Police Y.B. Khurania has directed Superintendents of Police in Keonjhar, Mayurbhanj, Balasore, Bhadrak and Jajpur to assist civil authorities during evacuation drives. Women police personnel will additionally be deployed at relief centres to safeguard women and children.

With heavy rainfall continuing across northern Odisha and several rivers remaining above the danger mark, authorities are maintaining round-the-clock monitoring while preparing for any further escalation over the coming hours.