43 Response Teams Deployed; 13,221 People Evacuated, 49 Relief Camps Operational

Bhubaneswar, 29 September (H.S.): Rainfall activity has significantly declined across Odisha, with the overall situation remaining under control even as district administrations continue relief, evacuation and preparedness measures in vulnerable areas.

The State Government is maintaining round-the-clock monitoring through the State Emergency Operation Centre (SEOC) in coordination with District Emergency Operation Centres (DEOCs). District administrations have been directed to remain alert to localised flooding, waterlogging and other weather-related eventualities.

According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), light to moderate rain or thundershowers are likely at one or two places across all districts of Odisha. A Yellow Warning has been issued for Baleshwar, Bhadrak, Jajpur, Kendrapada, Jagatsinghpur, Cuttack, Kendujhar and Mayurbhanj districts.

Odisha recorded an average rainfall of 1.1 mm in the 24 hours ending at 8.30 am on September 29. The highest rainfall of 45 mm was recorded in Banki-Dampada block of Cuttack district, while 12 blocks received more than 10 mm of rainfall.

Among districts, Cuttack recorded the highest average rainfall at 9.5 mm, followed by Puri at 6.3 mm, Gajapati at 4.9 mm, Khordha at 2.9 mm, Dhenkanal at 2.5 mm, Koraput at 2.4 mm and Malkangiri at 1.9 mm.

The State received 316.2 mm of cumulative rainfall between September 1 and September 29, against the normal average of 233.4 mm, recording a surplus of 35.5 per cent.

As part of the preparedness and response mechanism, 43 ODRAF and NDRF teams are currently deployed across the State, including 36 ODRAF teams and seven NDRF teams. The deployment comprises 14 teams in Baleshwar, nine in Bhadrak, four each in Koraput and Jajpur, three in Jagatsinghpur and two in Nabarangpur. Reserve teams have also been positioned at the OSAP 6th Battalion in Cuttack and the NDRF 3rd Battalion at Mundali.

The trained response teams remain on standby for rescue, evacuation and emergency response operations based on the ground situation.

District administrations have continued precautionary evacuation and relief operations in affected areas. So far, 13,221 people have been evacuated, while 49 relief camps are operational across the affected districts, providing necessary assistance to the displaced population.

Baleshwar remains among the worst-affected districts, with six blocks, 72 gram panchayats and 479 villages affected. A total of 48,560 people have been affected, while 7,452 people have been evacuated and 15 relief camps are operational.

In Nabarangpur, one block, two gram panchayats and two villages have been affected, covering 85 people. Two relief camps are operational.

Jajpur has reported damage in two blocks, 12 gram panchayats and 36 villages, affecting 5,059 people. A total of 3,876 people have been evacuated, with 19 relief camps operational.

In Bhadrak, five blocks, 57 gram panchayats and 172 villages have been affected, impacting 18,691 people. Food and other relief assistance are being provided to affected families.

Sambalpur has reported one urban local body and two wards affected, with 215 people impacted. Ninety-three people have been evacuated and three relief camps are operational.

In Bargarh, one block, two gram panchayats and four villages have been affected, covering 978 people. All 978 affected people have been evacuated, with four relief camps operational.

Kandhamal has reported one affected block, two gram panchayats and two villages, involving eight people.

In Jagatsinghpur, two blocks, six gram panchayats and eight villages have been affected, with 1,188 people impacted. A total of 822 people have been evacuated and six relief camps are operational.

The State Government has also ensured the supply of cattle feed to affected districts. A total of 907.04 metric tonnes of cattle feed has been supplied, including 400 MT to Baleshwar, 380.5 MT to Bhadrak, 67.74 MT to Jajpur, 40 MT to Mayurbhanj and 18.80 MT to Koraput.

There is currently no fishermen warning in force.

The SEOC is monitoring the situation 24x7 in coordination with all DEOCs. District administrations have been advised to take appropriate measures to deal with localised flooding of roads, waterlogging in low-lying areas and possible closure of underpasses, particularly in urban areas.

Authorities are also maintaining vigilance over possible minor damage to kutcha roads and vulnerable structures, landslides, and damage to horticultural crops and standing crops due to inundation.

With rainfall activity having declined significantly and the overall situation remaining under control, the State Government and district administrations continue to remain prepared to respond promptly to any localised emergency. Public safety remains the priority, with continuous monitoring, timely evacuation and coordinated response measures being undertaken across the affected areas.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Monalisa Panda