The Odisha government has stepped up its flood preparedness as continuous rainfall has increased the risk of flooding in several districts. Revenue and Disaster Management Minister Suresh Pujari said the administration is fully prepared and urged people to stay alert without giving in to panic.
To improve coordination, three senior IAS officers have been assigned special responsibilities. Sudhansu Mohan Samal will oversee flood management in Bhadrak, K. Sudarshan Chakravarthy will monitor Balasore, and P. Anvesha Reddy will supervise overall preparedness, evacuation, relief operations and public safety.
A high-level review meeting was attended by Chief Secretary Anu Garg, DGP Y.B. Khurania, Special Relief Commissioner Rajesh Prabhakar Patil and other senior officials.
The State Emergency Control Room is monitoring the situation round the clock. District administrations have been directed to provide immediate assistance to families affected by flood damage.
Water levels in the Baitarani and Jalaka rivers have crossed the danger mark, while the Brahmani and Subarnarekha rivers are also being closely watched. NDRF and ODRAF teams have been deployed in Balasore, Bhadrak and Jajpur. Relief shelters, cooked food, medical services and arrangements for livestock are in place as the government continues its efforts to protect lives and property.