Bhubaneswar, July 29 (IANS) Severe floods triggered by incessant rainfall and swelling rivers claimed at least three lives and affected over two lakh people across several districts of Odisha, Revenue and Disaster Management (R&DM) Minister Suresh Pujari said on Wednesday.
Addressing a press conference after a review meeting, the Minister said that five districts, Baleshwar, Bhadrak, Jajpur, Mayurbhanj and Kendujhar, were the worst affected by heavy rainfall and flooding. As of the afternoon, 44 blocks, 243 Gram Panchayats and 748 villages had been affected in these districts.
Rainfall also impacted parts of Sundargarh, Jharsuguda, Bargarh, Nuapada, Balangir, Kalahandi, Rayagada, Gajapati and Malkangiri.
He said three deaths, including that of a Fire Services personnel, were reported in Kendujhar district. A minor drowned in floodwaters, while an elderly man died after a wall of his house collapsed. The Fire Services personnel, identified as Chandan Pattanik, died after coming in contact with a live electric wire during the dewatering operation in Kendujhar.
Pujari added that around 30,000 persons had been evacuated from low-lying areas to safer places and relief centres in the six flood-affected districts. Some residents of vulnerable areas in other districts were also evacuated and shifted to safer locations. Cooked food was provided for those who were evacuated.
The Minister noted that sufficient baby food was available for children while special arrangements were made for elderly persons and women at the relief centres. He said 226 villages continued to experience waterlogging.
However, water levels began receding in several locations, particularly in Balasore district, enabling people to gradually return home from relief centres. Reviewing the river situation, he informed that rainfall had commenced in the upper catchment areas of Chhattisgarh.
At present, two gates of the Hirakud Dam remained open, and the reservoir level was well within the safe operating range.
The Government also initiated assessment of damaged houses, and assistance to affected families was being processed as per the prescribed norms. Based on the latest weather forecasts as of afternoon, districts including Bargarh, Balangir, Nabarangpur, Malkangiri and Rayagada were placed on high alert in view of the possibility of heavy to very heavy rainfall.
All district administrations were directed to remain fully prepared, with rescue teams, emergency equipment, and relief materials kept ready. To strengthen disaster response, 17 NDRF and ODRAF teams and about 60 Fire Services teams were strategically deployed across vulnerable locations.
Appealing to the public to remain vigilant, Pujari urged people not to venture into flooded areas or attempt to cross overflowing water bodies.
Citizens were advised to cooperate with the district administration, shift to relief centres whenever advised, and immediately contact emergency services in case of any assistance. The authorities directed all citizens to dial 112 for any necessary assistance.
–IANS
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