ODRAF, Fire Services and district administrations carry out multiple rescue operations in Nuapada and Bargarh, while Revenue Minister Suresh Pujari conducts aerial survey of flood-hit districts.
Bhubaneswar: Rescue teams evacuated at least 29 people and a dozen of animals from flood-affected areas in Odisha on Thursday as the state government intensified relief and rescue operations amid heavy rainfall and rising river levels. Revenue and Disaster Management Minister Suresh Pujari also conducted an aerial survey of the worst-affected districts to assess the flood situation and review the response on the ground.
According to an official release, the largest rescue operation was carried out near Birighat in Nuapada district, where 27 people stranded by swollen river waters were brought to safety through a coordinated operation involving the Odisha Fire and Emergency Services and the Odisha Disaster Rapid Action Force (ODRAF).
The rescue operation was launched after reports emerged that several people had been trapped on the roof of a poultry farm building near Birighat under Khariar block as floodwaters continued to rise. Rescue efforts initially faced severe challenges due to the strong current, rising water level and adverse weather conditions.
The district administration immediately initiated rescue measures, while the Office of the Special Relief Commissioner (SRC) coordinated with local authorities to deploy a specialised ODRAF team from Balangir. Senior district officials, including the Additional District Magistrate, Sub-Collector, Khariar Block Development Officer, Additional Tahsildar, Inspector-in-Charge and Sub-Divisional Police Officer, supervised the overnight operation.
Although initial reports indicated that eight people were trapped, rescue personnel continued search operations and eventually evacuated all 27 stranded individuals, including 20 men, four women and three children, without any loss of life.
The state government said the successful operation reflected the close coordination between the SRC, district administration, Fire Services and ODRAF, with rescue teams working through the night despite difficult conditions to reach those stranded by floodwaters.
In another rescue operation, personnel from the Bheden Fire Station in Bargarh district safely rescued two people and 12 sheep from Rugdi Bargaon under Bheden police station. Officials said the timely intervention ensured the safe evacuation of both the residents and their livestock, preventing any casualties.
Meanwhile, Revenue and Disaster Management Minister Suresh Pujari undertook a comprehensive aerial survey of flood-affected and waterlogged areas in Jajpur, Bhadrak, Balasore and Kendujhar districts to assess the extent of flooding and the ongoing relief measures.
The minister was accompanied by Additional Chief Secretary of the Revenue and Disaster Management Department Dr. Arabinda Kumar Padhee and Special Relief Commissioner Rajesh Prabhakar Patil during the helicopter survey.
Earlier in the day, Pujari chaired a review meeting at Lok Seva Bhawan with district collectors and senior officers monitoring the flood situation across Odisha. The meeting assessed preparedness, rescue operations, relief measures and the evolving flood scenario in different parts of the state.
The Odisha government said the Office of the Special Relief Commissioner continues to monitor the situation round the clock and is coordinating with district administrations and emergency response agencies to ensure timely rescue, relief and assistance for affected residents.
