Naveen Patnaik sends 3 BJD leaders to flood-hit Jajpur, Bhadrak, Balasore
Synopsis
With over 5 lakh people hit by flooding across five Odisha districts, opposition leader Naveen Patnaik has put his party machinery to work — dispatching three senior BJD leaders to the worst-hit zones even as the state government deploys IAS officers and 86 rescue teams. The IMD's forecast of easing rain from 18 August may be the only near-term relief in sight.
Key Takeaways
Naveen Patnaik deputed 3 senior BJD leaders to flood-hit Jajpur , Bhadrak , and Balasore districts on Monday .
Around 5.15 lakh people are affected; 2.37 lakh have been evacuated from low-lying areas.
Flooding has hit 49 blocks , 331 gram panchayats , and 947 villages across five districts.
293 relief centres are operational; 36 ODRAF , 7 NDRF , and 43 Fire Services teams are deployed.
The state government has assigned 3 senior IAS officers to manage relief in the three worst-hit districts.
IMD forecasts rainfall to ease in Odisha from 18 August .
Bharatiya Janata Dal (Odisha) president and Leader of Opposition Naveen Patnaik on Monday deputed three senior party leaders to flood-affected districts of Jajpur, Bhadrak, and Balasore in Odisha, directing them to assess ground conditions and coordinate relief efforts as incessant rains continue to batter the state. The move signals the opposition's intent to maintain visible presence in crisis zones as the government scrambles to manage one of the season's worst flood events.
Who Was Sent and Where
According to the party's office order, senior BJD leader Pradip Kumar Amat has been assigned to Jajpur district. Dr Arun Kumar Sahoo will cover Bhadrak, while Sanjay Kumar Das Burma has been deputed to Balasore. The leaders have been tasked with visiting flood-affected localities, speaking directly with displaced residents, and liaising with district administrations and local party functionaries.
'The senior leaders will visit the flood-affected areas, interact with the affected people and coordinate with the District Administration, local BJD leaders and functionaries to ensure proper relief and restoration measures,' reads the party's office order.
Scale of the Flooding
A low-pressure system has triggered relentless rainfall across Odisha, resulting in severe flooding across multiple districts. As of the latest count, 49 blocks, 331 gram panchayats, and 947 villages across Jajpur, Mayurbhanj, Bhadrak, Baleshwar, and Kendujhar districts have been affected. Around 5.15 lakh people are impacted, with 2.37 lakh evacuated from low-lying areas, according to official sources.
Government Response on the Ground
The state government has assigned three senior IAS officers with special responsibilities for Balasore, Bhadrak, and Jajpur to oversee rescue and relief management. The Special Relief Commissioner is continuously coordinating with all affected district administrations.
Evacuated residents are being sheltered and fed at 293 relief centres across the state. A total of 36 ODRAF teams, seven NDRF teams, and 43 Fire Services teams are currently engaged in rescue and relief operations.
Rainfall Outlook
According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), rainfall intensity over Odisha is expected to gradually ease from 18 August onwards, offering some relief to the affected districts. Authorities are likely to use the window to accelerate evacuation and restoration work before the next weather system, if any, develops.
Point of View
Now in opposition after losing power in Odisha, is keen to stay visible in a crisis that tests the new government's administrative machinery. The real question is whether parallel party-level assessments translate into faster relief or simply add coordination layers on the ground. With 5.15 lakh people displaced and the state leaning on NDRF and ODRAF teams, the pressure on the ruling dispensation to deliver visible outcomes before the next rain cycle is acute.
NationPress
17 Aug 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did Naveen Patnaik send BJD leaders to flood-affected Odisha districts?
Naveen Patnaik, as BJD president and Leader of Opposition, deputed three senior party leaders to Jajpur, Bhadrak, and Balasore to assess flood conditions, interact with affected residents, and coordinate with district administrations on relief and restoration. The move reflects the opposition's intent to maintain ground presence during the crisis.
How many people have been affected by the Odisha floods?
Around 5.15 lakh people have been affected by the flooding, according to official sources. Of these, 2.37 lakh have been evacuated from low-lying areas and are being accommodated at 293 relief centres across the state.
Which districts in Odisha are worst affected by the current floods?
Jajpur, Mayurbhanj, Bhadrak, Baleshwar, and Kendujhar districts are the worst affected, with 49 blocks, 331 gram panchayats, and 947 villages impacted by flooding triggered by a low-pressure system.
What rescue teams are deployed for Odisha flood relief?
A total of 36 ODRAF teams, 7 NDRF teams, and 43 Fire Services teams are currently engaged in rescue and relief operations. The state government has also assigned three senior IAS officers to oversee operations in Balasore, Bhadrak, and Jajpur.
When will the flooding situation in Odisha improve?
The India Meteorological Department has forecast that rainfall intensity will gradually decrease in Odisha from 18 August, which is expected to provide some relief. Authorities are likely to intensify evacuation and restoration efforts during this window.
