Odisha floods hit 18 districts, over 5.9 lakh people affected
Synopsis
More than 5.9 lakh people across 18 Odisha districts are reeling from floods, with 1.76 lakh evacuated and a multi-department state machinery fully mobilised. The crisis has exposed recurring urban waterlogging gaps — prompting the government to announce a long-term Drainage Master Plan for all Urban Local Bodies.
Key Takeaways
Floods have impacted 18 districts of Odisha , covering 95 blocks , 472 Gram Panchayats , and 1,301 villages as of 30 July .
A total of 5,93,083 people have been affected; 1,76,518 have been evacuated to safer locations.
The Kharsuan river overflow near Mahadev Temple in Aali Block was contained using sandbags by the Water Resources Department .
H&UD Minister Krushna Chandra Mahapatra cancelled all flood-management staff leave and activated a 24-hour departmental control room.
The state government announced a 'Strong Drainage Master Plan' for all Urban Local Bodies to tackle recurring waterlogging.
ODRAF , the SRC , and district administrations are conducting coordinated rescue and relief operations across affected zones.
Floods have struck 18 districts across Odisha, affecting more than 5,93,083 people across 95 blocks, 472 Gram Panchayats, 1,301 villages, and 14 Urban Local Bodies as of 30 July. State authorities have mobilised multiple departments in a coordinated emergency response, with 1,76,518 residents evacuated to safer locations.
Multi-Department Response on the Ground
The Odisha Water Resources Department confirmed on Thursday that all officers and staff are actively deployed in field operations, with additional personnel positioned at vulnerable sites for round-the-clock surveillance. Senior field engineers are maintaining continuous vigil over embankments, river systems, and critical flood management infrastructure.
Engineers from the Minor Irrigation (MI), Mega Lift Irrigation, Quality Assurance (QA), and Survey and Investigation (S&I) wings have been placed on full readiness in the districts of Kataka, Kendrapada, Jagatsinghpur, and Puri, prepared to mobilise at short notice.
Embankment Breach Contained Near Mahadev Temple
The Chief Engineer of the Mahanadi, Brahmani, and Baitarani Basin System (MBBS) recently visited the OAE-9B overflow section of the Kharsuan river near the Mahadev Temple in Aali Block to assess conditions on the ground. According to the department, the overflowing section was successfully sealed using sandbags.
'The overflowing section was successfully closed using sandbags to control the flow of water. All field-level officers are directed to vigil over the situation and take immediate preventive measures wherever necessary,' the department stated.
Urban Waterlogging Crisis in North Odisha
The Housing and Urban Development (H&UD) department has intensified emergency measures to address waterlogging caused by heavy rainfall, particularly in North Odisha and the districts of Balasore, Bhadrak, and Jajpur. The department has prioritised public safety, rapid drainage, and urban relief operations.
H&UD Minister Krushna Chandra Mahapatra said, 'All concerned officers have been directed to remain on high alert and ensure round-the-clock monitoring of the situation. The leave of all officers and employees engaged in flood management has been cancelled, and a 24-hour departmental control room is closely monitoring developments and coordinating immediate response wherever required.'
Minister Mahapatra also announced that the state government will prepare a 'Strong Drainage Master Plan' for all Urban Local Bodies to address the recurring problem of urban waterlogging — signalling that authorities view the current crisis as part of a structural, long-term challenge.
Rescue Operations and Scale of Impact
The Special Relief Commissioner (SRC), district administrations, Odisha Disaster Rapid Action Force (ODRAF), and other rescue teams are conducting coordinated operations across flood-hit zones. Departments including Revenue and Disaster Management, Health and Family Welfare, Energy, and Works are engaged in restoring road connectivity, power supply, and delivering relief to affected residents.
This comes amid a broader pattern of annual flood vulnerability in Odisha's coastal and riverine belts — a challenge that the proposed Drainage Master Plan is now being positioned to address systematically. Authorities have not yet indicated a timeline for full normalisation.
Point of View
But the fact that the same districts flood year after year raises hard questions about embankment maintenance and drainage investment. The announcement of a Drainage Master Plan is overdue; the real measure will be whether it is funded, implemented, and independently audited — or whether it joins a long list of post-flood promises that dissipate with the receding waters. With nearly six lakh people displaced, the human cost of delayed structural reform is no longer abstract.
NationPress
30 Jul 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
How many people have been affected by the Odisha floods?
As of 30 July, more than 5,93,083 people across 18 districts of Odisha have been affected by the floods. Of these, 1,76,518 have been evacuated to safer locations.
Which districts are worst affected by the Odisha floods?
The floods have impacted 18 districts, with heavy waterlogging reported particularly in Balasore, Bhadrak, and Jajpur in North Odisha. Engineers have also been deployed to Kataka, Kendrapada, Jagatsinghpur, and Puri.
What is the Odisha government doing to manage the floods?
Multiple departments — including Water Resources, Housing and Urban Development, Revenue and Disaster Management, Health and Family Welfare, Energy, and Works — have been mobilised. ODRAF and district administration teams are conducting rescue and relief operations, while a 24-hour state control room is coordinating the response.
What is the 'Strong Drainage Master Plan' announced by the Odisha government?
H&UD Minister Krushna Chandra Mahapatra announced that the state government will prepare a 'Strong Drainage Master Plan' for all Urban Local Bodies to address the recurring problem of urban waterlogging. No specific timeline or budget has been disclosed yet.
Was any embankment breach reported during the Odisha floods?
Yes, the OAE-9B overflow section of the Kharsuan river near the Mahadev Temple in Aali Block was reported to have overflowed. According to the Water Resources Department, the breach was successfully controlled using sandbags by field engineers.
