Bhubaneswar, August 16: The next three days are expected to be crucial for flood-affected districts in Odisha, with authorities issuing a Red Warning for Balasore, Bhadrak, Jajpur, Mayurbhanj and Keonjhar, said Chief Secretary Anu Garg after reviewing the flood situation in the state.

According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), rainfall is likely to continue across these districts from August 16 to 18following the formation of a low-pressure area over the northwest Bay of Bengal and the adjoining West Bengal–north Odisha coast. The system is expected to intensify over the next 24 hours, triggering heavy to very heavy rainfall across northern Odisha.

Most other districts have been placed under an Orange Warning, while some remain under a Yellow Warning. Rainfall activity is expected to gradually decrease after August 18.

The flood situation has so far affected 49 blocks, 331 gram panchayats, 947 villages and five urban areas, impacting around 5.15 lakh people. Nearly 2.37 lakh people have been shifted to safer and higher locations.

The Odisha government has directed all District Collectors to remain on high alert, closely monitor the evolving situation and take all necessary precautionary measures. Cooked food, flattened rice (chuda) and jaggery are being distributed through 293 relief camps.

For rescue and relief operations, the authorities have deployed 36 ODRAF teams, seven NDRF teams and 43 Fire Service units across the affected districts.

The Health Department has also deployed medical teams and Rapid Response Teams (RRTs) to medical colleges and hospitals in flood-hit areas. Adequate stocks of essential medicines, halogen tablets, bleaching powder and anti-snakebite injections have been kept ready and are being supplied wherever required.

The Chief Secretary has reviewed the flood situation with the Health Department Secretary and the concerned District Collectors and issued necessary instructions.

Floodwaters have disrupted the electricity supply to around 75,000 consumers. Power connections are expected to be restored in areas where floodwaters have receded, subject to local conditions, by Sunday evening. The Energy Department has deployed additional manpower to accelerate restoration work.

Rapid Action Teams (RATs) are also working to address waterlogging and flooding in urban areas. Arrangements have been made for drainage and the disposal of stagnant water, while drinking water is being supplied through tankers. Emergency services are being provided in accordance with the guidelines and helpline services of the Housing and Urban Development Department.

The Fisheries and Animal Resources Development Department has supplied 5,000 quintals of cattle feed to flood-affected areas under the supervision of District Collectors. It has also deployed 36 Rapid Action Teamsand made 50 animal relief camps operational. Necessary medicines are being provided for livestock as well.

River embankments are being monitored round the clock, with vulnerable stretches kept under close surveillance. Measures, including the use of sandbags, are being taken to prevent breaches and contain flooding. Repair work at locations where breaches have already occurred will begin as soon as water levels recede.

The Water Resources Department has deployed an Additional Chief Engineer to Balasore and senior Superintending Engineers to other affected districts to oversee flood management and restoration efforts.

Meanwhile, the Revenue Department has advised District Collectors to provide immediate financial assistance to affected families and areas.

Odisha has also recorded significantly above-normal rainfall during the current monsoon season. Against the normal average of 759 mm between June 1 and August 16, the state has received 953 mm of rainfall, which is 27 per cent above normal.

While Nabarangpur, Gajapati and Kalahandi have received comparatively less rainfall, the remaining districts have recorded normal rainfall or rainfall ranging from slightly below normal to above normal.

In view of the low-pressure-induced weather conditions, all District Collectors and the Fisheries and Animal Resources Development Department have been instructed to ensure that fishermen do not venture into the sea for the next three days.

District Collectors have also been directed to launch extensive public awareness campaigns through public-address systems, warning residents about possible dangers and advising them to take necessary precautions as the flood situation continues to evolve.