Bhubaneswar, July 29, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
Severe flooding triggered by incessant rainfall and rising river levels has claimed three lives and affected more than two lakh people across several districts of Odisha, Revenue and Disaster Management Minister Suresh Pujari said on Wednesday.
Speaking at a press conference after reviewing the flood situation, Pujari said the worst-affected districts are Balasore, Bhadrak, Jajpur, Mayurbhanj and Kendujhar, where flooding has impacted 44 blocks, 243 gram panchayats and 748 villages.
Heavy rainfall has also affected parts of Sundargarh, Jharsuguda, Bargarh, Nuapada, Balangir, Kalahandi, Rayagada, Gajapati and Malkangiri districts.
The Minister said all three fatalities were reported from Kendujhar district. A minor drowned in floodwaters, an elderly man died after a wall of his house collapsed, while Fire Services personnel Chandan Pattanik lost his life after coming into contact with a live electric wire during a dewatering operation.
Around 30,000 people have been evacuated from low-lying areas to relief centres and safer locations in the flood-hit districts. Residents from vulnerable areas in other districts have also been shifted as a precaution. The government is providing cooked food to those staying in relief camps, along with baby food for children and special arrangements for women and elderly persons.
According to the Minister, 226 villages continue to remain waterlogged, although floodwaters have started receding in several areas, particularly in Balasore district, allowing some displaced residents to return home.
Pujari said rainfall has resumed in the upper catchment areas of neighbouring Chhattisgarh. He added that only two gates of the Hirakud Dam are currently open and the reservoir level remains within the safe operating range.
The state government has also begun assessing damage to houses, with financial assistance to affected families to be provided as per prescribed norms.
In view of forecasts predicting heavy to very heavy rainfall, Bargarh, Balangir, Nabarangpur, Malkangiri and Rayagada districts have been placed on high alert.
To strengthen the disaster response, the government has deployed 17 teams of the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and Odisha Disaster Rapid Action Force (ODRAF), besides around 60 Fire Services teams, at vulnerable locations across the state.
The Minister urged people to avoid entering flooded areas or attempting to cross overflowing rivers and streams. He also appealed to citizens to cooperate with district authorities, move to relief centres when advised and dial 112 for emergency assistance.
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