Bhubaneswar, 31 July (H.S.): The flood situation in Odisha has affected over 7.9 lakh people across 15 districts, with the State government intensifying relief and rescue operations, Revenue and Disaster Management Minister Suresh Pujari said on Friday after reviewing the situation.

According to official data, floods have impacted 57 blocks, 446 gram panchayats, and 1,362 villages, along with 11 urban areas and 174 wards, affecting a total of 7,91,846 people. Of these, nearly 2,68,943 people remain stranded in waterlogged areas.

The Minister stated that while 15 districts are now largely out of danger, authorities are maintaining close surveillance in the affected regions. He added that the remaining districts are currently free from any immediate flood threat.

The floods have caused significant damage to agriculture and housing, affecting around 21,380 hectares of farmland and damaging approximately 700 houses, leading to widespread hardship for residents.

To support affected families, the State government has set up 647 relief centres, providing shelter, food, and essential supplies. Rescue, relief, and restoration efforts are ongoing, with teams working round-the-clock to manage the crisis and assess damage.

Pujari noted that water levels in most rivers, including the Devi, Kushabhadra, Ib, Brahmani, Baitarani, Budhabalanga, Subarnarekha, Vansadhara, Rushikulya, and Jalaka, which had earlier crossed danger marks, are now gradually receding below warning levels. However, the Mahanadi river continues to witness rising water levels.

Earlier in the day, the situation remained critical as floodwaters in the Mahanadi surged, with authorities expecting over 9.5 lakh cusecs of water to pass through Mundali. Officials have urged heightened vigilance in vulnerable and low-lying areas as a precautionary measure.

The State government continues to monitor the situation closely to ensure timely response and minimize further damage.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Monalisa Panda