Flash Floods In Odisha: CM Directs To Ensure Stock & Supply Of Adequate Relief Material

Bhubaneswar: In view of the flash flood in southern parts of Odisha, especially in Malkangiri and Koraput districts, Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi on Tuesday directed officials to ensure adequate stock and supply of relief material for affected areas.

During a review of flash flood situation, CM Majhi said the issue compounded as drainage of stormwater into Bay of Bengal was hindered causing waterlogging in several parts of the state.

Taking stock of preparedness of the state agencies, CM advised to restore communication and help people in distress on priority with the help of ODRAF, NDRF and Fire Services.

Revenue and Disaster Management department minister Suresh Pujari, and Special Relief Commissioner DK Singh briefed the CM on the flood situation and preparedness of relief and rescue agencies.

Earlier in the day, Pujari held a meeting with senior officials at Odisha State Disaster Management Authority office. The minister instructed officials to implement all necessary measures for protecting people of Odisha from “natural calamities of any nature in the foreseeable future”.

Steps taken so far to combat flash floods

According to sources, areas most affected due to the flood-like situation are Lanjigarh and M Rampur blocks in Kalahandi district, Dasmantpur and Kotpad blocks in Koraput, Malkangiri block, Nuapada block, Bissam Cuttack block in Rayagada, and Birmaharajpur block in Sonepur district.

Total 30 ODRAF teams deployed in 12 districts and Bhubaneswar Municipal Corporation, apart from 7 Fire Service teams in Malkangiri district, the SRC’s report stated.

NDRF teams have been deployed in Puri, Nayagarh, Ganjam and Cuttack districts apart from 80 rescue boats in affected areas. This aprt, 2 NDRF teams have been kept on standby in the Battalion headquarter, the report further stated.

While the BSF has been mobilised for large scale evacuation if needed, the state government has placed a request with the Ministry of Home Affairs for a chopper for emergency.

The SRC’s report added, “Total 14 medical teams and 5 veterinary teams have been mobilised to support district administration in Malkangiri where 14 relief camps are functional. Koraput and Malkangiri district have been communicated for arrangement of free kitchen for the affected people due to flood like situation.”