Odisha Floods: Over 13.44 Lakh Affected, 4.87 Lakh Evacuated

Odisha Floods: Over 13.44 Lakh People Affected, 4.87 Lakh Evacuated Bhubaneswar, Aug 21 : More than 13.44 lakh people have been affected by the ongoing flood situation in Odisha, while 4,87,350 people have been evacuated and accommodated in 880 relief shelters across seven districts, according to the latest report of the State Emergency Operation Centre (SEOC). The floods have affected 13,44,698 people across Baleshwar, Mayurbhanj, Bhadrak, Jajpur, Kendujhar, Kendrapara and Sundargarh districts. The affected areas cover 76 blocks, 505 gram panchayats, 1,703 villages and 12 urban local bodies. Officials said the situation remains challenging in several districts, although major rivers are now showing a receding trend and remain below the danger level, providing some relief to the administration. Relief and rescue operations are continuing on a round-the-clock basis. A total of 126 response teams, including 32 ODRAF, eight NDRF, 46 Fire and Emergency Services and 40 Police, Civil Defence and local teams, have been deployed. So far, 30,303 people have been rescued, while 55,139 people have been evacuated by boats. Rescue teams have reached 492 cut-off villages, with 124 emergency medical evacuations carried out. As many as 210 boats and specialised equipment have been deployed for the operations. Free kitchens have provided cooked meals to 4,95,833 people, while dry food and essential relief materials are being distributed in affected areas. Special arrangements have also been made for children, pregnant women, elderly persons and persons with disabilities. The Health Department has deployed 93 medical teams, which have conducted 159 medical camps and provided medical assistance to 11,549 people. As many as 150 pregnant women have been shifted to health institutions and 44 institutional deliveries have been conducted. Officials said adequate stocks of essential medicines, anti-snake venom, ORS and intravenous fluids have been maintained in the affected areas, with no disease outbreak reported so far. In the livestock sector, 15,939 animals have been treated or vaccinated, while 1,405.2 metric tonnes of cattle feed has been supplied. The SEOC continues to monitor the flood situation in coordination with district administrations and concerned departments. Authorities said all necessary measures were being taken to ensure timely relief, rescue operations and restoration of essential services in the affected areas.