Bhubaneswar: With flood situation in Odisha showing marked signs of improvement, the state government has stepped up relief, rescue, response and restoration measures across the affected areas.
While remains under control in several areas, fresh heavy rainfall in parts of Mayurbhanj has led to localised impacts, prompting continued preparedness and close monitoring by the state government and district administrations.
According to latest report from flood-hit areas of Jajpur, Dasarathpur block continues to be affected. Altogether 19 GPs and 62 villages have been affected. The number of affected people has been recorded at 7,745 on Tuesday, with 22 relief camps operational.
In Mayurbhanj district, 18 blocks, 48 GPs and 84 villages have been affected, along with two wards of Baripada Municipality. As many as 2,763 people have been affected and 2,076 persons have been evacuated. Also, 11 relief camps are operational and covering 2,076 beneficiaries.
The relief camps are being provided with essential facilities, including safe drinking water, sanitation, lighting, medical support and food. Special arrangements continue to be made for vulnerable groups, including children, pregnant women, elderly persons and persons with disabilities. Essential relief materials are also being supplied as per local requirements.
As part of the current deployment of response teams, 22 response teams are deployed in Jajpur, Baleshwar and Mayurbhanj. This includes 3 ODRAF teams in Jajpur, 3 ODRAF teams in Baleshwar, and Mayurbhanj has 3 ODRAF teams and 13 Fire & Emergency Services teams deployed. As many as 157 response teams have been deployed as of now, to strengthen rescue and emergency response across affected districts.
The well-marked low pressure area over Gangetic West Bengal and adjoining areas of north coastal Odisha and northwest Bay of Bengal persists over the same region and is likely to move west-north-westwards across north Odisha-Gangetic West Bengal during the next 24 hours.
Heavy to very heavy rainfall is very likely to occur at one or two places over Baragada, where the weather agency has issued an orange warning.
Yellow warning of heavy rain has been sounded for Sundaragada, Jharsuguda, Sambalpur, Sonpur, Nuapada and Balangir. Districts under Orange and Yellow warnings have been advised to keep their administrative machinery ready to face any eventuality. People have been advised to closely monitor weather conditions and take safe shelter during thunderstorms to protect themselves from lightning.
The Office of the Special Relief Commissioner (SRC) through the State Emergency Operation Centre continues to maintain a 24×7 watch over the situation in coordination with District Emergency Operation Centres (DEOCs).
The overall situation remains under control, with continued focus on relief, response, restoration and the safety and well-being of people across the affected areas.