Flood in Odisha has affected as many as six districts. Reports say that, due to rains in the upper catchment areas, the rivers are swelling continuously. Thousands of people have been affected. However, the government has acted swiftly and carried out major evacuation operations.
Most of the major rivers across the state are in full spate and this has led to a situation of flood in Odisha and has affected the daily lives of several thousand people. According to the Odisha State Disaster Management Authority, “In Orissa, damages are caused due to floods mainly in the Mahanadi, the Brahmani, and the Baitarani. These rivers have a common delta where flood waters intermingle, and when in spate simultaneously, wreak considerable havoc. This problem becomes even more acute when floods coincide with high tide.” It is worth mentioning here that due to the full moon, the sea is in a high tide phase.
The flood in Odisha has now become a cause of worry for the government as over two lakh people across six districts have already been affected. According to the Special Relief Commissioner of Odisha, “more than two lakh three thousand people in 748 villages have been affected, as many as 28 thousand residents have been evacuated.”
Revenue and Disaster Management Minister Suresh Pujari said as many as three deaths including a fire service personnel have been reported due to flood in Odisha. All the three deaths have taken place in Keonjhar district. However, Balasore, Bhadrak and Jajpur are the worst affected districts in the state. Reportedly, Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi is closely monitoring the flood situation and appealing people not to be panic stricken.
Further to state, as many as 226 villages remain marooned. At least seventeen NDRF and ODRAF teams have been deployed for rescue and relief operations. More details awaited.
