Nearly 2 lakh affected by Odisha floods, 6 NDRF teams deployed for rescue: Minister Suresh Pujari
Bhubaneswar, July 29
Odisha Revenue and Disaster Management Minister Suresh Pujari on Wednesday chaired a high-level review meeting, in the presence of Chief Secretary Anu Garg, to assess the flood situation in the state following incessant rainfall and rising river levels in several districts.
Addressing the media after the meeting, Pujari said nearly two lakh people had been affected by the floods, while around 30,000 people were staying in relief centres where necessary assistance was being provided.
"The three worst-affected districts -- Bhadrak, Balasore and Jajpur-- are witnessing improvement in the situation, which remains under control. Nearly two lakh people have been affected, while around 30,000 people are staying in relief centres with necessary assistance," Minister Suresh Pujari said.
He further said that six teams of the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), along with Odisha Disaster Rapid Action Force (ODRAF) and Fire Services personnel, had been deployed in vulnerable districts to strengthen rescue and relief operations.
"Six NDRF companies, along with ODRAF and Fire Services teams, have been deployed in vulnerable districts to strengthen rescue and relief operations," Pujari added.
The meeting reviewed the administration's preparedness and response measures to manage the flood situation and ensure timely assistance to affected people.
Meanwhile, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) said the deep depression over north interior Odisha and adjoining areas of south Jharkhand and Chhattisgarh moved westwards with a speed of 15 kmph during past 6 hours, and lay centred today over central parts of Chhattisgarh and adjoining north interior Odisha, near latitude 21.9°N and longitude 83.3°E, close to west-northwest of Raigarh, about 60 km east-southeast of Champa, 80 km northwest of Sambalpur, 120 km east of Chhattisgarh's Bilaspur and 180 km east-northeast of Raipur.
"It is very likely to continue to move nearly westwards across Chhattisgarh and east MadhyaPradesh during the next 24 hours," the IMD said in its release.
IMD Department issued an orange alert on Thursday (July 30th) for heavy to very heavy rainfall very likely to occur at one or two places over the districts of Nawarangpur, Kalahandi, Nuapada and Koraput.
— ANI
Reader Comments
6 NDRF teams is good, but with 2 lakh affected, we need more proactive measures. The administration should start pre-positioning resources before monsoons peak every year.
Thankful for the relief camps setup for 30,000 people. But many small farmers near riverbanks must be devastated - crops destroyed again. 😢 Need long-term solutions for these recurring floods.
Odisha ka disaster management system is one of best in country. But we need to focus on long-term flood mitigation - check dams, river dredging, better drainage. Temporary relief is not enough.
Orange alert for Kalahandi and Koraput is concerning. Hope local administration is ready with boats, food packets, and medical teams. Every year we see same pattern - need better early warning systems at village level.
Good to see NDRF and ODRAF coordination. But compensation for affected families is crucial - many have lost everything. Government should announce ex-gratia quickly and ensure transparency in distribution. 🙏
Stay safe Odisha! Weather is unpredictable now everywhere. Critical to keep relief camps well-stocked with clean water and medicine, especially with possible waterborne diseases post-floods.
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