Odisha Govt Holds High-Level Meeting on Floods; Next 24 Hours Critical, says Minister, watch

28 Jul 2026, 15:29 by Himanshu · KalingaTV

Bhubaneswar: The Odisha government held a high-level meeting on Tuesday evening to review the flood situation caused by incessant rain. Chief Secretary, Special Relief Commissioner, Director General of Police, DG Fire Services, and Secretaries of Water Resources, Revenue, and Disaster Management departments attended the meeting. Health Secretary also joined to coordinate the health department’s response.

Speaking after the meeting, Revenue and Disaster Management Minister Suresh Pujari said district administrations have been directed to remain on high alert. Collectors, Tahsildars, BDOs and other grassroots officials are in constant touch with the SRC control room, which is functioning 24×7 on helpline 1070.

River Situation

As of 6 PM today, the Baitarani river at Akhuapada was flowing at 19.4 meters, well above the warning level of 17.83 meters and the danger level. It is forecast to rise further to 19.45 meters by 7 AM tomorrow.

Similarly, the Jalaka river is also showing a rising trend and is flowing above the danger level. The forecast indicates further rise in water levels in Subarnarekha, Budhabalanga, and Salandi rivers as well.

Districts witnessing the maximum impact currently are Sundargarh, Keonjhar, Sambalpur, Balasore, Bhadrak and Jajpur. Over the next 12 hours, water levels are likely to rise further.

With more rain predicted in the upper catchments, the next 24 hours are crucial for the entire state, with Balasore, Bhadrak and Jajpur expected to be the worst affected, Pujari said.

Evacuation and Relief Measures

Evacuation of people to safer places has begun in vulnerable districts. Relief centres have been prepared with provisions for food, drinking water, and separate arrangements for women, children and the elderly. Livestock evacuation is also underway and fodder has been stocked at the centres.

The DG Fire Services has deployed teams across affected areas. Officials said rescue operations carried out today were effective, with elderly people and women safely evacuated from marooned pockets. The DG Police has been instructed to ensure security at relief camps, with deployment of women police personnel.

Health and Other Precautions

The Health department has been asked to ensure availability of snakebite medicines at all vulnerable points, as snakebites are a major risk during floods. Patients must receive treatment within one hour to avoid complications.

The Water Resources department is monitoring the situation every hour and sharing updated data with district and state officials. The Chief Secretary is in constant contact with Collectors.

Administration’s Appeal

Officials appealed to people not to take risks. “Wherever water has started entering, shift to safer places immediately. Do not wait till night or darkness. All facilities are available at relief centres,” the administration said. The police have been tasked with ensuring security of vacated homes. The government assured that adequate compensation will be provided as per norms for any house damage.

The government expects the situation to begin improving by tomorrow evening, but urged people to remain cautious for the next 24 hours.

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Odisha Govt Holds High-Level Meeting on Floods; Next 24 Hours Critical, says Minister, watch

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