Odisha Flood Response Intensifies as Relief Efforts Reach Over 13.44 Lakh People

Bhubaneswar, Aug 21: Odisha has intensified its coordinated flood response, with relief, rescue, healthcare and restoration efforts continuing across seven affected districts as authorities work to protect communities and restore normalcy.

According to the latest assessment by the State Emergency Operation Centre (SEOC), 13,44,698 people have been affected across Baleshwar, Mayurbhanj, Bhadrak, Jajpur, Keonjhar, Kendrapara and Sundargarh. The flooding has impacted 76 blocks, 505 gram panchayats, 1,703 villages and 12 urban local bodies.

While several areas continue to face difficult conditions, authorities have reported an encouraging development, with major rivers showing a declining trend and remaining below danger levels.

As part of the precautionary response, 4,87,350 people have been moved to 880 relief shelters. The shelters are providing essential facilities such as safe drinking water, sanitation, lighting, medical care and cooked meals.

Relief teams are also reaching communities in waterlogged and isolated villages. Food and drinking water are being delivered directly to households where access remains difficult. Free kitchens have so far served meals to 4,95,833 beneficiaries, while essential relief materials, including polythene sheets and other supplies, have been distributed according to local requirements.

Rescue operations have been strengthened through the deployment of 126 specialised response teams, including ODRAF, NDRF, Fire and Emergency Services, Police, Civil Defence and local teams. These teams have rescued 30,303 people and helped transport another 55,139 people by boat. Rescue personnel have also reached 492 cut-off villages.

Healthcare support has been expanded alongside the rescue operation. Ninety-three medical teams and 159 medical camps have provided treatment and assistance to 11,549 people. Particular attention is being given to pregnant women, children, elderly people and persons with disabilities. So far, 150 pregnant women have been shifted to healthcare facilities and 44 institutional deliveries have been conducted.

The administration has maintained supplies of essential medicines, anti-snake venom, ORS and IV fluids, while continuing preventive health measures. No disease outbreak has been reported so far.

Flood response measures also cover livestock and rural livelihoods. Thirty-nine veterinary teams and rapid response teams have conducted 174 veterinary camps, treating and vaccinating 15,939 animals. More than 1,405 metric tonnes of cattle feed has been supplied to affected communities.

The State Emergency Operation Centre continues to monitor developments around the clock in coordination with district administrations. With water levels declining in several major rivers, the focus is now on sustaining relief operations, restoring essential services and supporting affected families as they begin the process of returning to normal life.

Odisha's multi-agency response, backed by continuous monitoring and targeted assistance, remains focused on saving lives, reaching vulnerable communities and accelerating recovery in flood-affected areas.