Is the Odisha government fully prepared to handle the flood situation?
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Synopsis
As Odisha faces rising water levels, Minister Suresh Pujari reassures residents of the government's preparedness. Over 1,100 people have been evacuated, and extensive measures are in place to ensure safety and well-being. Emergency services are on standby, as the state takes decisive action to manage the flood crisis effectively.
Key Takeaways
- Over 1,100 people evacuated from low-lying areas.
- Temporary shelters set up with essential services.
- Focus on vulnerable groups: children, women, elderly.
- Continuous monitoring of river water levels.
- State government committed to public safety.
Bhubaneswar, June 30 (NationPress) Odisha's Revenue and Disaster Management Minister, Suresh Pujari, declared on Monday that the state government is fully equipped and actively engaged in managing the flood scenario in the northern regions, especially in Balasore and Mayurbhanj districts.
While addressing the media, Pujari stated, "The state apparatus has been mobilized and all relevant departments are collaborating to effectively handle the situation. Our main goal is to ensure the safety and well-being of those impacted by rising water levels."
He mentioned that over 1,100 individuals have already been relocated from low-lying and vulnerable areas.
Temporary shelters have been established, offering food, clean drinking water, medical care, and other essential amenities, according to the Minister.
Special attention is being directed towards vulnerable groups, including children, women, and the elderly, he added.
The Minister indicated that water levels in significant rivers like the Subarnarekha and Budhabalanga are under close surveillance, with alerts issued for sensitive areas.
"We anticipate water inflow from Jharkhand and nearby regions, and necessary precautions are in place. Rescue and relief teams, including the Odisha Disaster Rapid Action Force (ODRAF) and fire services, are on standby," he added.
He also noted that ODRAF teams have been deployed to at-risk locations in Keonjhar, Balasore, and Mayurbhanj, with two additional teams sent to Balasore district.
Fire service personnel are actively engaged in rescue operations in inundated villages, he stated.
Minister Pujari emphasized that Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi is personally overseeing the situation and receiving hourly updates.
"We are consistently in contact with district collectors and local administration. Additional NDRF teams are prepared to be deployed if required," he remarked.
In a plea to the public to remain calm, the Minister said, "There is no reason to panic. We urge residents in affected areas to adhere to directives from local authorities. The state government is dedicated to providing every possible support during this crisis."
Minister Pujari, alongside Special Relief Commissioner Deoranjan Kumar Singh, evaluated the flood conditions during a high-level meeting here.
Pujari informed reporters that the water level in the Budhabalanga river has been gradually decreasing while the Subarnarekha river's level is slowly rising.
He expressed optimism that the flood situation will improve soon as rainwater in the rivers is being smoothly discharged into the Bay of Bengal due to favorable sea conditions.
Additionally, rainfall in upstream areas has ceased while downstream areas are experiencing light rainfall, he mentioned.
He informed reporters that those evacuated from low-lying areas are being provided with dry and cooked food along with other relief supplies from the administration since Sunday.
As per reports, numerous low-lying villages are inundated in the Basta block of Balasore and the Udala area in Mayurbhanj districts of Odisha.
Point of View
It's crucial to recognize the proactive measures taken by Odisha's government under Minister Suresh Pujari’s leadership. The state's readiness to handle the flood crisis illustrates a commitment to public safety and effective disaster management. It's vital for all states to learn from such initiatives to enhance preparedness for natural disasters.
NationPress
30/06/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What steps is the Odisha government taking to manage the flood situation?
The Odisha government is actively evacuating residents, providing temporary shelters with essential amenities, and closely monitoring water levels in major rivers.
How many people have been evacuated from vulnerable areas?
Over 1,100 individuals have been evacuated from low-lying and vulnerable areas as a precautionary measure.
What support is being provided to those affected by the floods?
The government is offering food, clean drinking water, medical assistance, and other basic amenities in temporary shelters.
Is the state government prepared for possible further flooding?
Yes, additional rescue and relief teams are on standby, and the government is monitoring water levels closely for any changes.
How is the local administration involved in flood management?
The local administration is in constant communication with the state government and is implementing evacuation and relief operations as needed.
