Odisha Flood Crisis: Over 1 Lakh Affected, Government Orders Mass Evacuation

Bhubaneswar, July 29: The Odisha government has intensified flood response measures by launching a large-scale evacuation operation in vulnerable and low lying areas after floods affected more than one lakh people across several districts.

The state administration said the next 24 hours are expected to be critical for northern Odisha districts, particularly Balasore, Bhadrak and Jajpur, where rising river levels have increased the risk of further flooding following heavy rainfall caused by a deep depression.

Revenue and Disaster Management Minister Suresh Pujari reviewed the flood situation and directed officials to speed up evacuation efforts in areas facing immediate threats. According to officials, more than 1 lakh residents have been impacted in Balasore, Bhadrak, Mayurbhanj and Jajpur districts, while over 23,000 people have already been shifted to safer locations.

Rescue Operations Intensified Across Flood Hit Districts

After the review meeting, Pujari said several districts remain vulnerable as water levels in major rivers continue to rise. Apart from Balasore, Bhadrak and Jajpur, areas in Keonjhar, Sundargarh and Sambalpur have also been placed under close monitoring due to the possibility of worsening flood conditions.

“The next 24 hours are extremely important for Balasore, Bhadrak and Jajpur. The water levels in various rivers are showing an increasing trend, and authorities are prepared to handle any emergency situation,” the minister said.

Teams from the Odisha Disaster Rapid Action Force (ODRAF), National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and fire services have been deployed for rescue and relief operations.

Officials said several elderly people, women and children have been moved from affected villages to temporary shelters. The government has urged residents living in vulnerable areas to cooperate with evacuation teams and move to relief centres where essential supplies, including cooked meals, dry food and baby food, are being provided.

Authorities Ensure Safety of Evacuated Families

The state government has assured residents that adequate security arrangements have been made to protect abandoned houses and properties in flood-affected villages.

Police teams have increased patrolling, especially during night hours, while women police personnel have been deployed to ensure the safety of women and children staying in relief camps.

“People should remain alert but not panic. The government is fully prepared to protect lives and property,” Pujari said.

Floodwaters from rivers including Jalaka, Baitarani and Salandi have caused significant inundation in parts of northern Odisha, affecting normal life in several villages.

Senior Officers Sent to Monitor Flood Management

Odisha Chief Secretary Anu Garg has appointed three senior IAS officers to oversee flood management activities in affected districts. The officers will coordinate rescue operations, relief distribution and the implementation of safety measures.

The Disaster Management Department has instructed district administrations to identify vulnerable areas and complete evacuation procedures at the earliest.

Meanwhile, schools, colleges and other educational institutions in six districts, including Balasore, Bhadrak, Jajpur, Mayurbhanj and Sundargarh, have been closed temporarily. Some educational facilities are also being used as shelters for displaced residents.

Major Rivers Under Watch as Water Levels Rise

Water Resources Department Chief Engineer Dilip Kumar Rout said the flood situation in major rivers such as the Mahanadi and Subarnarekha remains under control. However, overflowing waters of Jalaka, Salandi and Baitarani rivers have created flood-like conditions in several northern districts.

Regarding concerns over the Mahanadi and Subarnarekha rivers, Rout said authorities are closely monitoring water levels.

“The discharge gates of the Hirakud Dam on the Mahanadi have been closed, and the reservoir level is being maintained at 613 feet against its maximum capacity of 630 feet,” he said.

Officials said continuous monitoring is being carried out to prevent any major escalation of the flood situation.

IMD Issues Heavy Rain Alerts Across Odisha

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a red warning for heavy to very heavy rainfall in Sundargarh, Jharsuguda, Bargarh and Sambalpur districts until Wednesday morning.

An orange alert has been issued for 12 districts, advising authorities and residents to remain prepared for intense rainfall. Several other districts have been placed under a yellow alert, with people advised to stay cautious.

With rivers continuing to swell and more rainfall predicted in parts of the state, Odisha authorities remain on high alert and are focusing on evacuation, rescue operations and ensuring essential supplies reach affected communities.