Odisha floods: Over 8.6 lakh people affected across 22 districts, 2.67 lakh evacuated, says Revenue Minister Suresh Pujari
Bhubaneswar, August 4
Following heavy rainfall in Odisha, more than 22 out of the state's 30 districts have been affected by floods. A total of 8,63,909 people have been impacted by the recent inundation, out of which 2,67,301 individuals were evacuated and shifted to safer locations, said Revenue Minister Suresh Pujari.
Speaking to reporters on Monday, state Revenue Minister Suresh Pujari said that while floodwaters have started receding in most areas, the government has directed the district administration to keep affected residents in relief centres until the water completely drains out from villages.
"The floodwaters have started receding in most areas. 22 out of 30 districts in Odisha were affected, covering 85 blocks and 656 Gram Panchayats, 1,458 villages... Many Urban Local Bodies were also affected. A total of, 8,63,909 people were affected by the recent floods, out of which, 2,67,301 people were evacuated and taken to safer locations... We have directed the district administration to keep the affected residents in these centers until the floodwaters in their original villages have completely drained out..." said Pujari.
Earlier, Odisha Health Minister Mukesh Mahaling on July 30 announced special measures to ensure maternal care and emergency medical assistance amid the flood situation in the state.
Speaking to reporters here, Mahaling said the Health Department is focusing on the safe evacuation of pregnant women, timely hospital transfers, and addressing the rise in snakebite incidents during floods.
"Highlighting the key challenges during floods, Mahaling said that shifting pregnant women to safer locations and transporting them to hospitals remains a priority. He added that snakebite cases also tend to rise during flood situations. A review committee, headed by the Principal Secretary of the Health and Family Welfare Department, has been constituted to monitor and coordinate flood-related health measures", he said.
Meanwhile, Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi emphasised that the government is fully committed to protecting and assisting every affected family.
He also mentioned that an assistance package of Rs 110 crore has been announced, with Rs 26 crore already being provided to the affected.
"As the current flood situation gradually normalizes, our government is fully committed to the protection and assistance of every affected family. After assessing the situation in the forest areas, an initial assistance package of Rs. 110 crore has been announced for the affected. In addition, an advance assistance of Rs. 26 crore has already been provided.Rescue operations are underway on a war footing by ODRAF, NDRF and fire brigades along with provision of food, drinking water and fodder through relief camps. All essential services and assistance will continue until the situation returns to normal," CM Majhi posted on X on Monday.
— ANI
Reader Comments
The CM's announcement of Rs 110 crore relief package is good, but we need to ensure the money actually reaches the affected families. Last year during similar floods, many villagers complained they didn't receive the promised compensation. Transparency in distribution is crucial.
As someone who has visited Odisha multiple times for work, I know how resilient the people are. The state has faced cyclones and floods for generations, yet they rebuild every time. International attention should focus on climate adaptation in coastal states like Odisha. 🙏
The health minister's focus on pregnant women and snakebite cases is really important. My cousin is a health worker in Cuttack and she says the snakebite cases have doubled compared to last year. Rescue operations are one thing, but medical infrastructure in remote villages needs serious strengthening.
Why is the government always caught off-guard by floods every year when we know monsoon season is coming? The Dhamra river basin and Mahanadi get flooded every single year. We need better dam management, desilting of rivers, and early warning systems at the community level. Relief is important but prevention is better than cure.
The district administration is doing its best, but we all need to step up. Just saw news that local volunteers in Kendrapara are cooking meals for 500+ families in relief camps. This is what 'odisha pride' is all about. Kudos to the NDRF and ODRAF teams working day and night in this rain! 💪
We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.