Bhadrak, Jul 1: More than 4.68 lakh people have been affected by the ongoing floods in Odisha's Bhadrak district, while over 1.58 lakh residents have been evacuated to safer locations as the district administration continues large-scale rescue, relief and rehabilitation operations.

According to official information, floodwaters have affected 423 villages spread across 110 gram panchayats and 26 urban wards. The district administration has intensified relief efforts, carrying out rescue and rehabilitation work on a war footing.

To ensure uninterrupted food supply for displaced residents, 286 free community kitchens are currently operational across the affected areas. Authorities have also distributed 248.8 quintals of flattened rice (chuda) and 33.88 quintals of jaggery among flood-affected families.

Although the Baitarani River is now flowing below the danger level, floodwaters continue to remain in several low-lying areas, causing prolonged waterlogging and leaving many villages marooned.

The district administration has assured that relief, evacuation and restoration measures will continue until normalcy is restored, while officials are closely monitoring the flood situation and extending assistance to affected residents.