Bhubaneswar, July 26: In response to the rising threat of floods caused by continuous heavy rainfall, the Odisha government has placed three coastal districts — Balasore, Bhadrak, and Jajpur — on high alert and has directed district administrations to begin evacuation efforts and relief operations in vulnerable areas.
Officials from the State Emergency Operations Centre (SEOC) and the Flood Control Cell confirmed that multiple rivers in the region have swelled significantly due to relentless rains over the past few days, particularly in Mayurbhanj and Keonjhar districts. These upstream districts have received intense rainfall, leading to an alarming rise in water levels downstream.
The Jalaka and Baitarani rivers have already crossed their danger marks, according to real-time monitoring data. Authorities noted that the Subarnarekha river, especially in Balasore district, is also rising at a worrying pace and may soon breach its danger level if the rain continues.
Given this situation, the Special Relief Commissioner’s office has instructed the collectors of the three districts to identify and evacuate residents from low-lying and flood-prone areas. Temporary shelters are being set up in safe zones, and arrangements are being made to provide food, clean drinking water, medical aid, and other essential relief materials to affected people.
Meanwhile, block and tehsil-level officers in the affected districts have been mobilized to ensure constant monitoring of embankments and vulnerable zones. Field-level officers have been deployed to coordinate with Odisha Disaster Rapid Action Force (ODRAF) teams and fire services for possible rescue operations.
The government has also appealed to citizens to remain vigilant, avoid venturing near swollen rivers, and follow all instructions issued by local authorities. Updates on rainfall patterns and river levels are being issued at regular intervals.
