ARINDAM GANGULY, OP
Bhubaneswar: Around 5.15 lakh people have been affected, while 2.37 lakh people have been evacuated to safety, during the current floods in five districts – Baleshwar, Bhadrak, Jajpur, Mayurbhanj and Keonjhar – while the state government Sunday sounded a high alert for three districts (Baleswar, Bhadrak & Jajpur) as India Meteorological Department (IMD) forecast extremely heavy rainfall in the next couple of days.
Chief Secretary Anu Garg Sunday reviewed the flood situation and preparedness across Odisha amid heavy rainfall triggered by a low-pressure area over the northwest Bay of Bengal and adjoining West Bengal-North Odisha coast.
Garg directed the departments and District Collectors concerned to take urgent measures and remain highly vigilant, particularly in the flood-affected districts.
She said the next three days would be critical for Baleshwar, Bhadrak and Jajpur, and stressed the need for caution in managing the evolving situation.
According to the IMD, “Baleshwar, Bhadrak, Jajpur, Mayurbhanj and Keonjhar are under Red Warning, while most other districts are under Orange Warning and some are under Yellow Warning.”
“Rain is expected to continue in the affected districts from August 16 to 18, with a gradual decrease likely from August 18,” said the IMD.
According to the latest assessment, the current flood has affected 49 blocks, 331 gram panchayats, 947 villages and five urban areas. Around 5.15 lakh people have been af fected, while 2.37 lakh people have been shifted to safety.
Garg said the leaves of all government employees had been cancelled and those on leave were asked to report for duty immediately.
District administrations are closely monitoring the situation and relief measures are underway.
As many as 293 relief camps are currently providing food and other essential items. A total of 36 ODRAF teams, seven NDRF teams and 43 fire service teams have been deployed across the affected districts.
Meanwhile, the government has deployed Sudhansu Mohan Samal, MD of Odisha Mining Corporation (OMC) for Bhadrak, K Sudarshan Chakravarthy, MD of Odisha State Civil Supplies Corporation (OSCSC) for Baleshwar and Excise Commissioner P Anvesha Reddy for Jajpur, to oversee the rescue and relief operations.