Bhubaneswar: With water levels in major rivers falling, the Odisha government on Saturday said the flood situation in the state is now under control, while relief, rescue operations and round-the-clock monitoring were stepped up in the affected districts.
According to the latest report issued by the State Emergency Operation Centre (SEOC) about the prevailing flood and rainfall situation in the state, the water levels of all major rivers, including the Mahanadi, Brahmani, Baitarani, Budhabalanga, Subarnarekha and Jalka, are below both the danger and warning levels, which is a matter of relief.
During the 24-hour period ending this morning of August 22, the state recorded an average rainfall of 6.8 mm. During this period, the highest rainfall of 93 mm was recorded in Chilika Block of Khordha district. 11 blocks recorded more than 50 mm of rainfall, while 21 blocks received rainfall between 25 mm and 50 mm.
Between August 1 and 22, the State received a total rainfall of 272.2 mm against the normal rainfall of 252.6 mm, which is 7.8 per cent above normal.
According to the latest available information, several areas of Baleshwar, Bhadrak, Jajpur and Kendrapada districts remain affected by the flood situation.
In Baleshwar, 50 Gram Panchayats and 327 villages under six blocks have been affected. While 129 villages are waterlogged, 24,709 people have been affected. Altogether 17,799 people have been evacuated and are being provided shelter and assistance in 89 relief camps.
In Bhadrak, 32 Gram Panchayats and 143 villages under four blocks have been affected. As many as 1,51,932 people have been affected, while 20,567 people have been evacuated. A total of 23 relief camps are currently operational.
In Jajpur district, 24 Gram Panchayats and 69 villages under five blocks have been affected. While 48 villages are waterlogged, 71,425 people have been affected. As many as 334 relief camps are operational.
Similarly, 67 Gram Panchayats and 164 villages under five blocks have been affected in Kendrapada district. While 42 villages are waterlogged, 2,47,493 people have been affected. A total of 2,323 people have been evacuated and are being provided assistance in 18 relief camps.
A total of 86 rescue teams, comprising 32 ODRAF, 8 NDRF and 46 Fire & Emergency Services teams, have been deployed in the flood-affected districts.
For effective monitoring and management of the flood situation, three IAS officers have been assigned to Bhadrak, Baleshwar and Jajpur districts respectively. Sudhanshu Mohan Samal has been assigned to Bhadrak, K. Sudarshan Chakraborty to Baleshwar & P. Anwesha Reddy to Jajpur. In addition, Additional Special Relief Commissioner Subash Chandra Nathsharma has been deployed to Kendrapada district.
For management of relief camps, rescue operations and other flood-related measures, a total of Rs 167.55 crore has been released from the State Disaster Response Fund (SDRF) in phases, comprising Rs 110 crore, Rs 26 crore and Rs 31.55 crore.
Altogether 1,07,225 polythene sheets in 21,445 packets have been supplied to the flood-affected areas. Similarly, 1,431.09 metric tonnes of cattle feed has been supplied to various districts.
District administrations have been directed to remain alert and take appropriate measures to manage localised waterlogging, inundation of low-lying areas and closure of underpasses in urban areas. They have also been advised to remain vigilant about possible damage to kachha roads, landslides, and damage to horticultural and standing crops due to waterlogging.
During lightning and thunderstorms, people have been advised to closely monitor weather updates and take shelter in safe locations.
