Odisha Floods: 8 Lakh Affected Across 6 Districts as CM Mohan Charan Majhi Tours Inundated Villages

Large parts of north Odisha remained under floodwaters on Monday as major rivers crossed the danger mark, inundating villages across six districts. With fresh floods triggered by the Baitarani river, authorities warned that the situation may take days to normalise.

A government statement said more than 8 lakh people were affected in the latest floods since August 13, while 2.79 lakh were evacuated. Over 82,000 people are currently in different shelters across the affected districts.

CM Tours Affected Areas

Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi, accompanied by Revenue and Disaster Management Minister Suresh Pujari, toured some of the worst-affected areas in Jajpur and Bhadrak districts. They went in an ODRAF boat to Kasapa and Tarapada panchayats under Dasarathpur block in Jajpur district and later walked barefoot through waterlogged stretches to meet residents of Ramachandrapur, Balada and Dobhabil villages.

The Baitarani river was flowing above the danger mark at Akhuapada, Anandpur and Swamp locations, threatening further inundation in low-lying areas.

Six Districts Affected

The floods have impacted Jajpur, Bhadrak, Balasore, Mayurbhanj, Keonjhar and Kendrapara districts. A depression over the Bay of Bengal resulted in heavy rain, triggering fresh flooding in already saturated regions.

Authorities have warned that the situation may take days to normalise even after rainfall eases, as water levels in major rivers remain above danger marks.

Relief Operations

Over 82,000 people are currently housed in relief camps across the affected districts. The state government has deployed ODRAF (Odisha Disaster Rapid Action Force) teams for rescue operations in inundated areas.

The government statement confirmed that evacuation efforts are ongoing, with priority given to vulnerable populations including the elderly, children, and persons with disabilities.