Bhubaneswar, August 1: Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi on Saturday conducted an aerial survey of flood-affected regions across more than 12 blocks in five districts of the state to assess the extent of the damage and review the ongoing relief and rescue operations.

Revenue and Disaster Management Minister Suresh Pujari and the Special Relief Commissioner accompanied the Chief Minister during the inspection.

Following the aerial survey, the Chief Minister told the media that several villages in the affected districts remain surrounded by floodwaters. However, he expressed optimism that the situation is gradually improving and that floodwaters are likely to recede within the next two days.

Majhi directed district authorities to complete damage assessments within three days after the floodwaters recede. Based on the assessment reports, the state government will immediately provide relief packages for affected sectors, including agriculture and damaged houses.

The Chief Minister surveyed flood-hit areas in Dasarathpur, Bari and Binjharpur blocks of Jajpur district; Dhamnagar, Bhandaripokhari and Chandbali in Bhadrak district; Soro, Remuna and Balasore Sadar in Balasore district; parts of Badasahi, Udala and Kaptipada in Mayurbhanj district; and the affected areas of Hatadihi block in Keonjhar district.

He stated that the government is closely monitoring the flood situation and has instructed ministers and senior officials to take all necessary measures for effective relief and rehabilitation.

He also said that the flood situation in Puri district is under constant surveillance.

Reiterating the government's commitment to a "zero casualty" approach in disaster management, the Chief Minister said that around 800,000 people have been affected by the floods. As a precautionary measure, approximately 269,000 people have been safely evacuated to secure locations.

To support rescue operations, the state has deployed 17 Odisha Disaster Rapid Action Force (ODRAF) teams, 7 National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) teams, and 129 Fire and Emergency Services units. Around 700 shelter homes and relief camps have been set up, providing accommodation, cooked and dry food, safe drinking water, and medical assistance to displaced families.

Senior government officials are supervising relief and restoration work on the ground in all affected districts.

The Chief Minister further informed that the state government has released ₹26 crore from the State Disaster Response Fund to support relief and rescue efforts. Flood-affected families are being provided with polythene sheets, dry and cooked food, drinking water, medicines, and other essential supplies.

He also directed authorities to undertake immediate repairs of damaged roads and ensure that post-flood public health issues are effectively managed.