Bhubaneswar, July 30: Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi on Wednesday assured full support to flood-affected residents in Odisha, stating that the situation remains under control despite over 30,000 people being impacted across Balasore, Bhadrak, and Jajpur districts.
After conducting an aerial survey of the flood-hit areas, the Chief Minister briefed the media at Lok Seva Bhawan. He was accompanied by Revenue and Disaster Management Minister Suresh Pujari, Higher Education Minister Suryabanshi Suraj, and Special Relief Commissioner Deo Ranjan Singh.
"Water levels in major rivers like Subarnarekha and Jalaka are receding. The situation is completely under control," CM Majhi said, adding that isolated incidents of flooding in Keonjhar and other districts had not led to any major damage.
According to official data, 81 villages across eight blocks have been affected: Basta, Baliapal, Bhograi, and Jaleswar in Balasore; Dhamnagar and Bhandaripokhari in Bhadrak; and Jajpur and Dasarathpur in Jajpur. Of the affected population, 5,869 people have been safely evacuated.
To ensure immediate relief, the state government has set up 29 free kitchens—16 in Balasore, 10 in Bhadrak, and 3 in Jajpur—currently feeding around 10,000 people daily. Relief operations, including food distribution, will continue for at least seven more days.
The Chief Minister emphasized strict post-flood health measures to prevent waterborne diseases, particularly diarrhea. He directed local officials to disinfect all water sources and ensure medical teams are prepared. Anti-venom and essential medicines have been stocked to tackle snakebite risks.
For long-term rehabilitation, district collectors have been asked to conduct swift assessments of damage to homes, livestock, and infrastructure and submit detailed reports for compensation. CM Majhi also instructed officials to begin immediate repair of damaged roads and ensure adequate fodder supplies for animals.
In terms of on-ground response, 17 ODRAF teams and 13 fire service units have been deployed in Balasore. Bhadrak has one NDRF team, one ODRAF team, and 13 fire service units, while Jajpur has one ODRAF team and 14 fire service units actively engaged in relief and rescue efforts.
