BHUBANESWAR: Odisha Revenue and Disaster Management Minister Suresh Pujari on Tuesday said that the next 12 hours would be crucial as many districts in the state are witnessing flood situations following continuous heavy rainfall for the last couple of days.
Pujari made the remarks while chairing a high-level review meeting held on Tuesday to assess the prevailing flood situation and review the preparedness of all concerned departments. The minister instructed the officials to expedite the evacuation of people residing in vulnerable and low-lying areas to safer locations.
To strengthen flood preparedness, evacuation, public safety and overall disaster management, three senior IAS officers have been assigned exclusive responsibility for the most affected districts.
According to an official statement, Sudhanshu Mohan Samal has been deputed for Bhadrak district, K. Sudarshan Chakravarthy for Balasore district, and P. Anvesha Reddy for Jajpur district.
Meanwhile, Minister Pujari appealed to the public to remain calm, avoid panic and make full use of the assistance and services being provided by the administration. The Minister noted that the water levels of the Baitarani and Jalaka rivers at Anandapur and Akhuapada have crossed the danger level, while the Brahmani and Subarnarekha rivers are also being closely monitored due to rising water levels at certain locations.
Baleswar district recorded the highest rainfall during the last 24 hours, while several areas of Bhadrak and Jajpur districts have also been affected by heavy rainfall.
Considering the next 12 hours to be crucial, the minister directed the Office of the Special Relief Commissioner (SRC) to remain functional throughout the night for continuous monitoring of the flood situation.
The state government also informed that Odisha Disaster Rapid Action Force (ODRAF) and National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) teams have already been deployed in Baleswar, Bhadrak and Jajpur districts, while all Collectors and Block Development Officers have been directed to remain on high alert.
The Police Department has intensified night patrolling, and women police personnel have also been deployed to ensure the safety and security of women and children. The Government has ensured the availability of cooked food, drinking water and other essential facilities at all relief shelters. The Police Department has also been instructed to safeguard the houses and belongings of evacuees.
The Health Department, the Fisheries and Animal Resources Development Department and all other concerned departments have been kept on full preparedness. Adequate arrangements have been made for livestock protection, including sufficient cattle feed stock. Medicines and anti-snake venom have also been positioned in affected areas in view of possible snakebite incidents during floods.
The minister also directed officials to ensure prompt assessment of damages and immediate disbursement of compensation to affected families for damage to houses and agricultural lands in accordance with the prescribed norms.
The State Emergency Operation Centre is monitoring the situation round the clock and is maintaining continuous coordination with the District Emergency Operation Centres.
The minister reiterated that the state government, in close coordination with all district administrations, has taken comprehensive measures to ensure the safety and well-being of the people.
