More than 8.6 lakh people have been affected by floods in Odisha following heavy rainfall, with authorities evacuating over 2.67 lakh residents from vulnerable areas, state Revenue Minister Suresh Pujari said on Monday.
Speaking to reporters, Pujari said floodwaters had started receding in most parts of the state, but district administrations had been asked to keep affected residents in relief centres until water levels completely receded from their villages.
“Twenty-two out of 30 districts in Odisha were affected, covering 85 blocks, 656 Gram Panchayats and 1,458 villages. Many Urban Local Bodies were also affected. A total of 8,63,909 people were impacted by the floods, of whom 2,67,301 were evacuated and moved to safer locations,” Pujari said.
He added that officials were monitoring the situation and ensuring that people were not sent back to their villages until floodwaters had completely drained.
Earlier, Odisha Health Minister Mukesh Mahaling had announced special measures to ensure maternal care and emergency medical assistance during the flood situation.
The Health Department is focusing on the safe evacuation of pregnant women, timely transfer of patients to hospitals and tackling an increase in snakebite cases reported during floods.
Mahaling said a review committee headed by the Principal Secretary of the Health and Family Welfare Department had been formed to monitor and coordinate flood-related health measures.
Meanwhile, Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi said the state government was committed to providing assistance to every affected family. He said an assistance package of Rs 110 crore had been announced, with Rs 26 crore already released as advance assistance.
“Rescue operations are underway on a war footing by ODRAF, NDRF and fire brigades, along with the provision of food, drinking water and fodder through relief camps. All essential services and assistance will continue until the situation returns to normal,” Majhi posted on X on Monday.
ANI
