Bhubaneswar, 30 July (H.S.): On Wednesday, Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi undertook an aerial survey of flood-affected areas in Baleshwar, Bhadrak, and Jajpur districts. He was accompanied by Revenue & Disaster Management Minister Suresh Pujari, Higher Education Minister Suryavanshi Suraj, and Independent Relief Commissioner Dev Ranjan Kumar Singh.

During a briefing at Lok Seva Bhavan following the aerial inspection, the Chief Minister stated that 81 villages across 8 blocks spread over three districts have been impacted by the floods. In Baleshwar, the affected blocks include Basta, Baliapal, Bhogarai, and Jaleswar; in Bhadrak, Dhamnagar and Bhandaripokhari; and in Jajpur, the Jajpur and Dasharathpur blocks have been hit hardest.

Approximately 30,000 people have been affected, out of which 5,869 individuals have already been evacuated to safer locations, the CM confirmed.

He noted that river water levels are receding, particularly in the Subarnarekha and Jalka rivers in Baleshwar, and asserted that flood conditions are now under control. He also clarified that while flooding occurred in Kendujhar and some other districts, it did not produce significant impact there.

Under state government directives, relief operations are underway to provide dry food aid and hot cooked meals as needed. The administration has established 16 free kitchens in Baleshwar, 10 in Bhadrak, and 3 in Jajpur, collectively serving nearly 10,000 people, with meal services set to continue over the next seven days.

The Chief Minister emphasized the risks of waterborne illnesses such as diarrhea, and said authorities are prioritizing the water purification of drinking sources. Local officials have been instructed to sustain these measures continuously and to act swiftly if diarrhea cases surge.

Officials have also reported a rise in snakebite incidents in several affected localities. In response, the CM has directed the Health Department to ensure adequate stocks of antivenom and other necessary medicines are available at all times.

Instructing swift relief operations, the Chief Minister also directed District Collectors to conduct immediate damage assessments and submit detailed reports to the government. Based on these reports, timely assistance will be provided to affected families.

Detailed damage reports for structural losses to homes and livestock will be prepared, and the CM further ordered the prompt repair of damaged roads to restore access in affected villages. Authorities are also advised to ensure an adequate supply of animal feed in impacted areas.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Monalisa Panda