Bhubaneswar, July 29:Odisha Revenue and Disaster Management Minister Suresh Pujari on Wednesday said nearly two lakh people have been affected by floods triggered by incessant rainfall, while around 30,000 people are taking shelter in relief centres across the state.

Chairing a high-level review meeting with Chief Secretary Anu Garg, the minister assessed the flood situation and ongoing rescue and relief measures. He said the worst-affected districts—Bhadrak, Balasore and Jajpur—are witnessing gradual improvement and the overall situation remains under control.

Pujari said six teams of the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), along with personnel from the Odisha Disaster Rapid Action Force (ODRAF) and Fire Services, have been deployed in vulnerable districts to strengthen rescue and relief operations.

​​​​​​​The meeting reviewed the state's preparedness and directed officials to ensure timely assistance to all affected people.

Meanwhile, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) said the deep depression over north interior Odisha and adjoining areas has moved westwards and is currently centred over central Chhattisgarh and adjoining north interior Odisha. The system is expected to continue moving west across Chhattisgarh and east Madhya Pradesh over the next 24 hours.

The IMD has issued an Orange Alert for July 30, forecasting heavy to very heavy rainfall at isolated places in Nawarangpur, Kalahandi, Nuapada and Koraput districts.