Odisha is seeing an improvement in its flood situation with water levels receding in most of the rivers, officials reported on Monday. As the water level receded, a missing person’s deal body was found.
The water levels of Subarnarekha, Brahmani, Baitarani, Jalaka, and Budhabalang rivers, which had caused flooding in six northern districts of the state, are declining.
Meanwhile, the body of Santosh Jena (28), who went missing on Sunday, was recovered from the Baitarani river in Jajpur district’s Dasrathpur block.
“This is a very unfortunate incident. We appeal to all the people living in flood-affected areas to remain alert and not venture into the waters,” Jajpur’s District Magistrate Ambar Kumar Kar said.
Higher Education Minister Suryabanshi Suraj, after visiting flood-hit Bhadrak district, confirmed significant improvement, with water receding in all rivers. However, he noted that it might take some days for the floodwaters that have entered villages and farmlands to drain completely.
“The state government has intensified relief operations and needy people are being provided dry food, cooked meals, medicines, anti-venom injections, and essential support for cattle,” he added.
In Balasore district, Basta, Bhogarai, Jaleswar, and Baliapal are the most severely affected blocks due to the Subarnarekha river. An official confirmed that 18,000 people have been impacted across these four blocks, with over 5,000 receiving food from community kitchens.
More than 16 flood shelters are operational, and 250 quintals of flattened rice (chuda) and 25 quintals of jaggery have been distributed to the affected population.
Health teams are providing medicines and ORS sachets, with doctors and paramedics conducting door-to-door visits.
“Pregnant women nearing delivery are being identified and shifted to safer locations with the help of ASHA workers and ANMs. Simultaneously, veterinary teams are conducting animal health and vaccination camps in flood-affected areas,” the official said.
“Baliapal and Bhograi blocks are the worst affected during this spell of flood,” he said, adding that the flood situation in the Subarnarekha river has significantly improved.
“The river is now flowing much below the danger mark at Rajghat,” he said.
Senior engineers of the Water Resources Department are stationed in the district, closely monitoring the Subarnarekha basin, he said.
He assured that all reservoirs are in healthy condition, and there is no need to release excess flood water. The water level at Hirakud dam stands at approximately 615 feet, well below its full reservoir level of 630 feet. “As much as 5.18 lakh cusec of water was flowing at Mundali near Cuttack. It will flow within the river and cause no damage,” he stated.
Similarly, the Rengali dam is being managed, with water discharged in a controlled manner.
More than 25 villages in Baliapal have been cut off as the floodwater stands above four feet, an official said, adding that locals are using boats for movement.
