Flood situation in Odisha shows gradual improvement

Bhubaneswar: The flood situation in Odisha is showing gradual improvement, with river levels across the state largely receding and rainfall activity declining. The state government and district administrations continue to monitor the situation and undertake relief and restoration measures in affected areas.

According to the latest report from the Special Relief Commissioner (SRC), Jajpur, Mayurbhanj and Baleshwar remain affected.

In Jajpur, Dasrathpur block has been affected, with 19 Gram Panchayats and 62 villages impacted. Twenty-two relief camps are operational, providing assistance to 7,745 people.

In Mayurbhanj, 21 blocks, 53 Gram Panchayats, 97 villages and two wards of Baripada Municipality are affected. Twenty-nine relief camps are sheltering 10,501 people. A total of 104 houses have been reported damaged.

In Baleshwar, five blocks Bhogarai, Baliapala, Basta, Remuna and Jaleshwar—covering 41 GPs and 214 villages are affected. Seventy-two relief camps are operational, catering to 35,740 beneficiaries.

A total of 47 response teams have been deployed across the affected districts, including 21 ODRAF, four NDRF and 22 Fire & Emergency Services teams.

River levels across the state are largely showing a falling trend. The Subarnarekha at Rajghat is currently the only river flowing above the danger level, standing at 10.84 metres as of noon and showing a declining trend.

The Mahanadi at Naraj, Ib at Sundargarh, Brahmani at Panposh, Baitarani at Anandpur and Akhuapada, Burhabalanga at NH-5, Vansadhara at Gunupur and Jalaka at Mathani are also showing falling trends.

The Hirakud reservoir level stood at 627.29 ft, with an inflow of 1,41,962 cusecs, outflow of 78,429 cusecs and four gates open.

Yellow warning issued for several districts

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecast thunderstorms with lightning and gusty winds of 30–40 kmph at one or two places in Baleshwar, Bhadrak, Jajpur, Kendrapada, Jagatsinghpur, Cuttack, Kendujhar and Mayurbhanj.

People have been advised to remain alert and take safe shelter during thunderstorms. District administrations have also been asked to watch for localised flooding, waterlogging, damage to roads and vulnerable structures, and crop losses.

Cattle feed is being supplied to affected districts based on requirements. The State Emergency Operation Centre is monitoring the situation round the clock in coordination with District Emergency Operation Centres.

The receding river levels and reduced rainfall activity have provided some relief, while the state government continues to maintain preparedness and coordinate relief and restoration efforts.