Bhubaneswar: More than seven lakh people across 20 districts of Odisha have been affected by the current floods as increased discharge from the Hirakud Dam continues to flow through the Mahanadi river system, prompting the state government to intensify monitoring of downstream areas while maintaining that the overall flood situation remains under control.
According to official figures, 7,05,232 people in 1,458 villages under 539 gram panchayats across nearly 100 blocks have been affected by the floods. Around 1,89,597 people have been evacuated to safer locations and relief centres as rescue and relief operations continue.
The state government has set up 520 relief centres where more than 1.82 lakh people are being provided cooked meals, dry food and other essential services. Separate arrangements have been made for women, children and elderly persons, while baby food, cattle feed and women police personnel have also been deployed at relief camps.
With floodwaters from Hirakud expected to pass through the lower Mahanadi basin, the Water Resources Department on Friday stepped up surveillance of key hydraulic structures. Principal Secretary Shubha Sharma inspected the Mundali Weir and Naraj Barrage to review floodwater management and assess preparedness.
At Mundali, Sharma reviewed the regulated release of floodwater through the Mahanadi system and assessed river levels and downstream conditions with senior engineers. She later inspected the SCADA-based control room at Naraj Barrage and directed engineers to maintain round-the-clock monitoring of barrage gates, continuously analyse river flows and respond immediately to any emergency.
The department said barrage gates are being operated on the basis of scientific assessment of upstream inflows, downstream conditions and real-time hydrological data to ensure the safe discharge of floodwater without endangering lives and property.
Officials said water levels in most major rivers, including the Baitarani, Brahmani, Jalaka and Budhabalanga, have started receding following a decline in rainfall in both Odisha and the upper catchment areas. However, nearly nine lakh cusecs of water is currently flowing through the Mahanadi at Naraj, prompting authorities to maintain close watch over Cuttack, Jagatsinghpur and Kendrapara districts.
As a precautionary measure, a medical team in Balipatna shifted a pregnant woman to a nearby hospital to ensure uninterrupted access to healthcare. The district administration said pregnant women, children, elderly persons and other vulnerable groups continue to receive priority during evacuation and relief operations.
The government has deployed 24 ODRAF teams, six NDRF teams and 46 Fire and Emergency Services units for rescue operations, while police personnel have been stationed in evacuated villages and along embankments to safeguard property and maintain security.
On Thursday, Revenue and Disaster Management Minister Suresh Pujari reviewed the flood situation with district collectors and senior officials before conducting an aerial survey of flood-affected areas in Jajpur, Bhadrak, Balasore and Kendujhar districts. He directed district administrations to complete damage assessments within 72 hours after floodwaters recede so that compensation can be disbursed without delay. He also said the state government remained committed to ensuring that administrative assistance reached affected residents before floodwaters posed a threat to their safety.
