Bhubaneswar, 21 August (H.S.): The flood situation in Odisha remained under close monitoring on Friday, with relief, rescue, restoration and essential service operations continuing across affected areas. According to the latest report of the State Emergency Operation Centre (SEOC) under the Office of the Special Relief Commissioner (SRC), seven districts—Baleshwar, Mayurbhanj, Bhadrak, Jajpur, Kendrapada, Kendujhar and Sundargarh—have been affected in the current phase of flooding.

As many as 76 blocks, 505 gram panchayats, 1,703 villages and 12 urban local bodies have been affected, impacting 13,44,698 people. However, major rivers are showing a falling trend and are currently below danger levels, although the situation remains challenging in several districts.

As a precautionary measure, 4,87,350 people have been evacuated and accommodated in 880 relief shelters. The shelters are equipped with safe drinking water, sanitation, lighting, medical assistance and cooked food. In marooned villages, response teams are delivering cooked food and drinking water directly to affected households, with special arrangements for children, pregnant women, elderly persons and persons with disabilities.

Free kitchens have so far provided cooked meals to 4,95,833 beneficiaries, while essential relief materials are being distributed according to local requirements. As many as 4,765 polythene sheets/rolls have been supplied to affected families.

To strengthen rescue and emergency operations, 126 response teams have been deployed, comprising 32 ODRAF teams, eight NDRF teams, 46 Fire and Emergency Services teams and 40 Police, Civil Defence and local teams. So far, 30,303 people have been rescued, while 55,139 people have been evacuated by boat. Rescue teams have also reached 492 cut-off villages, and 124 emergency medical evacuations have been carried out. A total of 210 boats and specialised equipment have been deployed.

Health services remain a key priority, with 93 medical assistance teams deployed and 159 medical camps conducted. So far, 11,549 people have received medical assistance. As part of maternal healthcare measures, 150 pregnant women have been shifted to health institutions and 44 institutional deliveries have been conducted. Essential medicines, anti-snake venom, ORS and IV fluids have been kept available, with no disease outbreak reported so far.

Veterinary services are also being provided in affected areas. Thirty-nine veterinary teams/RRTs have been deployed and 174 veterinary camps organised. A total of 15,939 animals have been treated or vaccinated, while 1,405.2 MT of cattle feed has been supplied.

The SEOC is maintaining round-the-clock coordination with District Emergency Operation Centres and concerned departments to monitor the situation and ensure timely relief, rescue and restoration of essential services.

The state’s coordinated response remains focused on protecting lives, supporting affected families and restoring normalcy, while response agencies remain prepared to address any emerging requirements.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Monalisa Panda