- Senior IAS officers deputed exclusively for Balasore, Bhadrak and Jajpur districts for flood management
– SRC Office to remain operational throughout the night ; Minister directs expeditious evacuation in vulnerable areas
– “Let’s be alert ; not panic. The Government is fully prepared to safeguard the lives and property of the people.” – Hon’ble Minister, Revenue & Disaster Management
Bhubaneswar, July 28, 2026 [ADN] :
The State Government is fully prepared to effectively manage the flood situation caused by incessant rainfall across Odisha. A high-level review meeting was held today under the chairmanship of the Hon'ble Minister, Revenue & Disaster Management, Shri Suresh Pujari, to assess the prevailing situation and review the preparedness of all concerned departments.
Addressing the meeting, the Hon'ble Minister stated that the State Government, in close coordination with all district administrations, has taken comprehensive measures to ensure the safety and well-being of the people. He appealed to the public to remain calm, avoid panic & make full use of the assistance and services being provided by the administration. He also directed all district administrations and line departments to function in close coordination and maintain constant vigilance.
The Minister noted that the water levels of the Baitarani and Jalaka rivers at Anandapur and Akhuapada have crossed the danger level, while the Brahmani and Subarnarekha rivers are also being closely monitored due to rising water levels at certain locations. Balasore district recorded the highest rainfall during the last 24 hours, while several areas of Bhadrak and Jajpur districts have also been affected by heavy rainfall.
Considering the next twelve hours to be crucial, the Hon'ble Minister directed that the Office of the Special Relief Commissioner (SRC) remain functional throughout the night for continuous monitoring of the flood situation. He further instructed officials to expedite the evacuation of people residing in vulnerable and low-lying areas to safer locations.
NDRF and ODRAF teams have already been deployed in Balasore, Bhadrak and Jajpur districts, while all Collectors and Block Development Officers have been directed to remain on high alert. The Police Department has intensified night patrolling, and women police personnel have also been deployed to ensure the safety and security of women and children.
The Government has ensured the availability of cooked food, drinking water and other essential facilities at all relief shelters. The Police Department has also been instructed to safeguard the houses and belongings of evacuees. The Health Department, the Fisheries & Animal Resources Development Department and all other concerned departments have been kept on full preparedness. Adequate arrangements have been made for the protection of livestock, including sufficient stock of cattle feed. In view of the possibility of snakebite incidents during floods, adequate quantities of medicines and anti-snake venom have also been positioned in the affected areas.
The Hon'ble Minister reiterated that the administration is fully prepared to deal with the evolving flood situation and appealed to the people to remain vigilant without fear. He also directed officials to ensure prompt assessment of damages and immediate disbursement of compensation to affected families for damage to houses and agricultural lands in accordance with the prescribed norms.
The State Emergency Operation Centre is monitoring the situation round the clock and is maintaining continuous coordination with the District Emergency Operation Centres. To strengthen flood preparedness, evacuation, public safety and overall disaster management, three senior IAS officers have been assigned exclusive responsibility for the most affected districts. Shri Sudhanshu Mohan Samal has been deputed for Bhadrak district, Shri K. Sudarshan Chakravarthy for Balasore district, and Ms. P. Anvesha Reddy for Jajpur district.
The meeting was attended by Smt. Anu Garg, Chief Secretary, Shri Y. B. Khurania, Director General of Police, Shri Sudhanshu Sarangi, Director General, Fire Services, Shri Rajesh Prabhakar Patil, Special Relief Commissioner, Smt. Shubha Sharma, Principal Secretary, Water Resources Department and other senior officers.
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