Odisha floods: Minister Suresh Pujari orders evacuation, calls next 12 hours critical
Synopsis
Odisha's flood crisis is intensifying: rivers at Anandapur and Akhuapada have breached danger levels, Baleswar recorded the highest 24-hour rainfall, and the state has deployed NDRF and ODRAF teams while assigning dedicated IAS officers to its three worst-hit districts. Minister Suresh Pujari has called the next 12 hours critical — and the clock is running.
Key Takeaways
Odisha Revenue and Disaster Management Minister Suresh Pujari declared the next 12 hours critical on 28 July amid worsening floods.
Baitarani and Jalaka rivers at Anandapur and Akhuapada have crossed the danger level; Brahmani and Subarnarekha are under close watch.
Baleswar recorded the highest rainfall in the last 24 hours ; Bhadrak and Jajpur are also severely affected.
NDRF and ODRAF teams deployed in Baleswar , Bhadrak , and Jajpur ; three senior IAS officers assigned exclusive district charge.
Relief shelters stocked with cooked food, drinking water, and medicines including anti-snake venom ; women police deployed for safety of women and children.
Officials directed to ensure prompt damage assessment and immediate compensation disbursement to affected families.
Odisha Revenue and Disaster Management Minister Suresh Pujari on Tuesday, 28 July declared the next 12 hours critical as multiple districts across the state battled worsening flood conditions triggered by relentless heavy rainfall over the past two days. Pujari chaired a high-level review meeting in Bhubaneswar to assess the situation and directed officials to immediately accelerate the evacuation of residents from vulnerable and low-lying areas to safer locations.
Key Developments
Three senior IAS officers have been assigned exclusive charge of the worst-hit districts to strengthen coordination on the ground. Sudhanshu Mohan Samal has been deputed to Bhadrak, K. Sudarshan Chakravarthy to Balasore, and P. Anvesha Reddy to Jajpur. The move signals the state government's recognition that the situation demands dedicated administrative oversight beyond routine district machinery.
Baleswar district recorded the highest rainfall in the preceding 24 hours, with significant impact also reported across parts of Bhadrak and Jajpur districts.
Rivers Breaching Danger Levels
Water levels of the Baitarani and Jalaka rivers at Anandapur and Akhuapada have crossed the danger mark, according to the minister. The Brahmani and Subarnarekha rivers are also being closely monitored as water levels rise at certain stretches. The State Emergency Operation Centre is maintaining round-the-clock vigil and continuous coordination with all District Emergency Operation Centres. The Office of the Special Relief Commissioner (SRC) has been directed to remain operational through the night for uninterrupted monitoring.
Rescue and Relief Deployment
Teams from the Odisha Disaster Rapid Action Force (ODRAF) and the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) have already been deployed in Baleswar, Bhadrak, and Jajpur districts. All Collectors and Block Development Officers have been placed on high alert. The Police Department has intensified night patrolling, and women police personnel have been specifically deployed to ensure the safety of women and children. Officials have also been instructed to safeguard the homes and belongings of evacuated residents.
Relief Shelters and Health Preparedness
The state government has ensured the availability of cooked food, drinking water, and other essential supplies at all relief shelters. The Health Department, the Fisheries and Animal Resources Development Department, and all other concerned agencies have been placed on full preparedness. Adequate cattle feed stock has been arranged for livestock protection, and medicines including anti-snake venom have been pre-positioned in affected areas in anticipation of snakebite incidents — a common hazard during floods in Odisha.
Compensation and Damage Assessment
Minister Pujari directed officials to ensure prompt assessment of damages and the immediate disbursement of compensation to affected families for losses to houses and agricultural lands, in line with prescribed norms. He appealed to residents to remain calm, avoid panic, and make full use of the administrative assistance available to them.
With rivers still rising and rainfall forecast continuing, the coming hours will be decisive for communities living along Odisha's flood-prone river corridors.
Point of View
And if the Brahmani follows, the pressure on relief infrastructure in Bhadrak and Jajpur will multiply sharply. Odisha has earned a reputation as India's most flood-resilient state, but that reputation rests on pre-positioning and last-mile execution — precisely what Minister Pujari's directives are trying to ensure. Whether the compensation machinery moves as quickly as the rescue teams is the accountability question that will define the government's performance once the waters recede.
NationPress
29 Jul 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Which districts in Odisha are worst affected by floods on 28 July?
Baleswar, Bhadrak, and Jajpur are the most severely affected districts, with Baleswar recording the highest rainfall in the last 24 hours. NDRF and ODRAF teams have been deployed in all three districts.
Which rivers have crossed the danger level in Odisha?
The Baitarani and Jalaka rivers at Anandapur and Akhuapada have crossed the danger level, according to Minister Suresh Pujari. The Brahmani and Subarnarekha rivers are also being closely monitored due to rising water levels.
What evacuation measures has the Odisha government ordered?
Minister Pujari has directed officials to expedite the evacuation of residents from vulnerable and low-lying areas to safer locations. Three senior IAS officers have been assigned exclusive charge of Bhadrak, Balasore, and Jajpur districts to oversee the response.
What relief arrangements have been made at Odisha flood shelters?
The state government has ensured cooked food, drinking water, and essential supplies at all relief shelters. Medicines including anti-snake venom have been pre-positioned in affected areas, and women police personnel have been deployed to ensure the safety of women and children.
Who is monitoring the Odisha flood situation overnight?
The State Emergency Operation Centre is monitoring the situation round the clock, coordinating continuously with all District Emergency Operation Centres. The Office of the Special Relief Commissioner (SRC) has been directed to remain functional through the night.
