Odisha Flood Situation: Minister Suryabanshi Suraj Reviews Preparedness and Relief Measures in Bhadrak, Jajpur

Bhadrak/Jajpur: Odisha Higher Education Minister Suryabanshi Suraj reviewed the flood situation and preparedness measures in the flood-affected areas of Bhadrak and Jajpur as part of the state government's ongoing response.

Review meeting and preparedness

A high-level review meeting was held to assess flood preparedness in Bhadrak district. Authorities were directed to stock adequate quantities of sandbags at vulnerable locations, strengthen public awareness measures and ensure that all necessary precautionary arrangements remain in place.

Aerial survey of flood-affected areas

Minister Suryabanshi Suraj accompanied Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi, Revenue Minister Suresh Pujari and the Special Relief Commissioner (SRC) during an aerial survey of flood-affected areas in Bhadrak and Jajpur districts. Following the survey, the Chief Minister said that eight blocks across three districts had been affected by the floods. In Bhadrak, Dhamnagar and Bhandaripokhari blocks were among the affected areas, while Jajpur and Dasarathpur blocks were affected in Jajpur district.

Flood situation and relief operations

The Baitarani River was reported to be flowing significantly above the danger mark at Akhuapada in Bhadrak. According to the administration, several villages and thousands of people across Balasore, Bhadrak and Jajpur districts have been affected by the flood situation.

Relief operations have been strengthened in the affected areas, with free kitchens operating across the three districts to provide meals to people in need. NDRF, ODRAF and Fire Services teams have also been deployed for rescue and relief operations.

Thousands of people from low-lying areas have reportedly been evacuated to safer locations. Relief measures are expected to continue as required, depending on the prevailing flood situation.

Health and safety measures

Authorities have been directed to take necessary health precautions, including disinfecting water sources and ensuring adequate stocks of medicines and anti-venom to deal with the risks of waterborne diseases and snakebites in flood-affected areas.

Education institutions closed in affected areas

In view of the worsening flood situation and the rise in the Baitarani River, educational institutions in Bhadrak, including government, government-aided and private schools and colleges, as well as Anganwadi centres, were ordered to remain closed. Teachers and non-teaching staff were advised to remain available for emergency duties as required.

Officials have appealed to residents to avoid entering flooded areas and shift to designated relief centres whenever advised by the administration. People requiring emergency assistance have also been advised to contact the emergency helpline 112.

Minister Suryabanshi Suraj has also previously visited Bhadrak during preparations related to Cyclone Dana. The ongoing visits to flood-affected areas are aimed at reviewing the situation on the ground and coordinating relief and rescue efforts with the district administration and emergency response teams.