Odisha Floods Affect Over 7.85 Lakh People Across Six Districts; Relief Operations Intensified

Bhubaneswar: The flood situation in Odisha continued to remain serious on Monday, with more than 7.85 lakh people affected across six districts, according to the latest status report issued by the Special Relief Commissioner (SRC).

The report stated that 7,85,199 people have been affected in Baleshwar, Bhadrak, Jajpur, Kendujhar, Mayurbhanj and Kendrapada districts. Floodwaters have impacted 1,304 villages, 448 gram panchayats, 66 blocks and 10 urban local bodies.

Baleshwar Among Worst-Hit

Baleshwar is among the worst-affected districts, with more than 2.03 lakh people impacted across 453 villages and 97 gram panchayats.

Authorities have evacuated 61,418 people from vulnerable and inundated areas and set up 103 relief camps to accommodate those displaced by the flooding.

Over 1.96 Lakh Affected in Bhadrak

In Bhadrak, nearly 1.96 lakh people have been affected across 134 villages and 39 gram panchayats.

The district administration has carried out a large-scale evacuation, shifting 1,07,773 people to safer locations. As many as 90 relief camps have been opened for the affected population.

Jajpur Reports Extensive Flood Impact

Jajpur has also witnessed widespread flooding, with 2,02,672 people affected across 270 villages and 117 gram panchayats.

Around 77,680 people have been evacuated, while 191 relief camps have been opened across the district to provide shelter and essential assistance.

Kendrapada Also Severely Affected

In Kendrapada, approximately 1.44 lakh people have been affected, with flooding reported in 134 villages and 63 gram panchayats.

Officials have so far evacuated 2,085 people from vulnerable areas as part of ongoing rescue efforts.

Over 42,000 Hectares of Crops Affected

The floods have also taken a toll on agriculture. The consolidated SRC report said crops spread across 42,216.7 hectares have been affected in the six districts.

Residential properties have also suffered damage, with 941 houses reported affected. As part of immediate relief measures, polythene sheets have been distributed to 1,079 affected people and families.

Rescue Teams Deployed

The administration has mobilised multiple emergency response teams to intensify rescue and relief operations. The deployment includes 53 fire service personnel/teams, 39 ODRAF teams and seven NDRF teams.

Authorities are prioritising the evacuation of residents from vulnerable locations, ensuring food and shelter for displaced families and restoring essential services wherever possible.

With the floods continuing to affect large populations across the six districts, officials are maintaining close surveillance of the situation and strengthening relief and rescue measures in the worst-hit areas.