July 31, 2025

On July 30, 2025, Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi took to the skies, conducting an aerial survey of the flood-affected regions in Jajpur, Bhadrak, Balasore, and Keonjhar districts. The survey followed unprecedented flooding that has impacted the lives of around 30,000 residents across these districts. The Odisha State Government responded promptly, evacuating over 5,000 individuals to safety as floodwaters rose. Accompanied by Revenue and Disaster Management Minister Suresh Pujari and Higher Education Minister Suryabanshi Suraj, Majhi assessed the situation from the air. After the survey, he reported that flooding had adversely affected 81 villages in eight different blocks across the three districts. The specific blocks facing the worst conditions included Basta, Baliapal, Bhograi, and Jaleswar in Balasore district; Dhamnagar and Bhandaripokhari in Bhadrak district; and Jajpur and Dasarathpur in Jajpur district. "While around 30,000 people had been affected, 5,869 people were relocated to safe places to minimize risks," Majhi stated during a press briefing following the aerial survey. The good news came as CM Majhi indicated that floodwaters in various rivers were beginning to recede. Specifically, the water levels in the Subarnarekha and Jalaka rivers in Balasore were decreasing. While Keonjhar and some other districts reported flooding, Majhi reassured that there was no major impact observed there. The Chief Minister’s Office promptly initiated relief efforts that included the supply of dry food and hot cooked meals to those displaced by the flood. In addition, with water levels receding, an increased focus was placed on health and sanitation, as there was a risk of outbreaks of waterborne diseases following the flooding. "We need to prioritize water source purification, and local officials must maintain strict vigilance to implement preventive measures against potential disease outbreaks," Majhi emphasized. He also cautioned about the risk of snakebite incidents and directed health officials to ensure the availability of anti-venom and other essential medications. In light of the extensive damage caused by the floods, Chief Minister Majhi instructed district collectors to assess damages comprehensively, which would be crucial in determining the assistance needed. Assessments will consider property damage, livestock loss, and the condition of damaged roads to facilitate prompt restoration of connectivity. The Chief Minister reiterated the government's commitment to ensuring zero casualties, stating that 17 Odisha Disaster Rapid Action Force teams and 13 fire service teams had been deployed in Balasore. In Bhadrak, a National Disaster Response Force team, one ODRAF, and 13 fire service teams were sent, while Jajpur had one ODRAF team and 14 fire service teams on standby to handle emergency situations. "All reports generated will also include the extent of damage to homes and facilitate the urgent necessities demanded by affected residents," the Chief Minister added. Advisories were issued to ensure a sufficient supply of cattle feed for livestock in regions hit hardest by the floods. This comprehensive approach highlights the Odisha Government's proactive stance in disaster management, ensuring that immediate and long-lasting support is extended to affected communities amidst this natural calamity. While the flood situation appears to be under control for now, the government’s continuous efforts, vigilant monitoring, and emergency preparedness remain pivotal in overcoming this challenging phase for the State of Odisha. With ongoing support and recovery measures, residents affected by the floods can begin to navigate the restoration of their communities and lives.

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Tags: Odisha, Floods, Mohan charan majhi, Disaster management, Evacuation,