Bhubaneswar, 30 July (H.S.): More than six lakh people across five districts of Odisha have been affected by the ongoing floods, Revenue and Disaster Management Minister Suresh Pujari said on Thursday. The worst-affected districts are Jajpur, Bhadrak, Balasore, Keonjhar, and Mayurbhanj, where overflowing rivers and widespread inundation have severely disrupted normal life.

Addressing the media, the minister said around 1.65 lakh people have been evacuated from vulnerable areas and shifted to safer locations as a precautionary measure. Rescue and relief operations are being carried out on a war footing, with cooked food, drinking water, and other essential supplies being provided to people staying in relief camps as well as those stranded in flood-affected villages. The state government is continuing relief efforts in close coordination with the district administrations.

Pujari said the flood situation is showing signs of improvement as rainfall has significantly decreased in the upper catchment areas. The water level of the Baitarani River has started receding, while the river at Akhuapada is now flowing below the danger mark. However, he informed that two breaches have been reported in embankments in Jajpur district, and the administration is taking all necessary measures to contain the situation and prevent further damage.

The minister further stated that nearly nine lakh cusecs of water is expected to pass through Mundali by Thursday evening. He expressed optimism that the flood situation would continue to improve, as Odisha is not likely to receive significant rainfall over the next three days. However, with rainfall expected to resume after August 2, the government has decided to maintain close surveillance and remain fully prepared to respond to any further developments.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Monalisa Panda