Bhubaneswar: With flood scare gripping several parts of the state following incessant heavy rain, the Odisha government on Tuesday deputed three senior IAS officers to oversee flood management and response efforts in the severely affected districts.
According to official sources, K Sudarshan Chakraborty has been assigned the task of overseeing measures in Baleshwar, while Sudhansu Mohan Samal will monitor the situation in Bhadrak and P Anwesha Reddy has been deputed to Jajpur district.
Revenue and Disaster Management Minister Suresh Pujari chaired a high-level review meeting to assess the evolving flood situation and coordinate response measures.
Maintaining that the flood situation in the state is under control, Pujari said the government is fully prepared and alert to deal with any emergency caused by heavy to very heavy rain that battered several districts.
Officials are closely monitoring rising water levels in major rivers. With the next 12 hours considered critical, the office of the Special Relief Commissioner (SRC) will remain on round-the-clock watch to ensure swift response.
Pujari said flood due to heavy rain during monsoon is nothing new for Odisha and the government is closely monitoring the situation in different parts of the state.
He said the India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a red warning of heavy to very heavy rain for 7-8 districts and orange warning for 15 other districts.
In view of the weather forecast, the government is in constant touch with the district Collectors and weather department officials. Districts such as Sundaragada, Sambalpur, Bargad and Jharsuguda witnessed heavy rain since Monday. Baleshwar Bhadrak, Jajpur, Dhenkanal, Debagada, Anugola, Kendujhar, Mayurbhanj, Sonpur, Boudhagada, Nuapada and Balangir districts also reported heavy downpour.
The state recorded 47.2 mm rainfall in the last 24 hours, the Minister said, adding that Baleshwar recorded the highest. More than 100 mm rainfall was recorded in 13 blocks and one urban area. In the last seven days, the state has witnessed 84 per cent more rainfall than normal. We are in touch with the Water Resources department, he said.
Regarding river situation, the Minister said major rivers have not witnessed any significant rise in water levels. Water is being released from Hirakud through only two gates, while water levels in Brahmani, Baitarani, Jalaka and Budhabalanga have increased.
Noting that rainwater has submerged several low-lying areas in urban pockets of Baleshwar and some other districts, he said ODRAF and NDRF teams have been deployed at all sensitive places. Fire service personnel are also present in vulnerable areas. Evacuation has started wherever required.
Emergency articles, medicines and doctors’ teams are ready in flood and cyclone shelters. Cooked food has been arranged for evacuees and dry ration is being distributed in several areas, Pujari said.
The government has also made arrangements for shifting of domestic animals and their fodder. Anti-venom injections have been kept ready by medical teams in vulnerable areas.
He said administrative and Water Resources officials are on the ground in waterlogged low-lying areas and are continuously updating the department.
Stressing that there is no need to panic, Pujari said the government is well prepared and people should cooperate with the administration and follow instructions.