Bhubaneswar, August 25: Revenue and Disaster Management Minister Suresh Pujari on Monday said that while floodwaters have hit several districts of Odisha, including Balasore, Jajpur, Kendujhar, Bhadrak, and Sundargarh, Jajpur remains the worst-affected.
The minister said that nearly 46 villages across 14 gram panchayats in Jajpur have been inundated, while Bhadrak’s Bhandari Pokhari block has also reported heavy flooding. Several localities in both Jajpur and Bhadrak remain marooned.
“We have begun evacuation measures and arranged food, shelter, and medical support for the affected. Special care is being taken for children and senior citizens,” Pujari told reporters.
Relief camps with essential facilities have been set up, and district administrations have been instructed to prioritize the safety and welfare of evacuees. “People will be allowed to return home once the water recedes and conditions are declared safe,” the minister added.
Pujari further confirmed that the overall situation is now under control, with water levels dropping below the danger mark and continuing to decline. No casualties have been reported so far.
Senior officials, including Collectors, Sub-Collectors, BDOs, and Tehsildars, are monitoring the situation on the ground. Residents have been advised to avoid waterlogged areas and move to relief centres.
Meanwhile, vast stretches of farmland have gone underwater. The government has assured that compensation will be provided to affected farmers after field-level surveys are completed.
