Flood Alert in Northern Odisha; Situation Under Control

Bhubaneswar: Northern Odisha is facing flood-like conditions following heavy inflow of water from Jharkhand’s Chandil Dam into the Subarnarekha River, triggered by low-pressure-induced rainfall. However, officials have assured that the situation remains under control.

Revenue and Disaster Management Minister Suresh Pujari reviewed the situation on Monday. In Mayurbhanj district, 77 wards across Gram Panchayats and urban areas have been affected, leading to the evacuation of over 5,000 people to various relief centres. To support the displaced, 44 free kitchens have been set up. The state has deployed seven ODRAF teams and seven Fire Service units for rescue and relief operations.

In Balasore, 35 Gram Panchayats and wards are impacted. As many as 1,138 people have been evacuated, with food arrangements made at six locations. Four ODRAF teams are already working in the district, while two more are en route from Cuttack. Eight Fire Service teams and NDRF units have also been stationed in both Mayurbhanj and Balasore.

The worst-hit areas include Basta, Baliapal, Jaleswar, Bhograi, Remuna, and Sadar. While 7–8 embankment breaches were reported, officials confirmed that most have been repaired swiftly.

Panchayati Raj and Drinking Water Minister Rabi Narayan Naik said the government is taking proactive steps to ensure uninterrupted access to safe drinking water. Special instructions have been issued to sanitise all water sources in submerged areas, and Naik assured that no individual will suffer due to water scarcity.

The state government is also in continuous coordination with Jharkhand authorities to monitor inflow and manage the situation effectively.