Bhubaneswar: The flood situation in Odisha remained grim on Thursday, with nearly 6 lakh people affected across 18 districts, even as authorities said conditions are expected to improve with a decline in rainfall.
According to the state government, the floods have impacted 95 blocks, 472 gram panchayats, 1,301 villages and 14 urban local bodies. A total of 5,93,083 people have been affected, while 1,76,518 people have been evacuated to safer locations as a precautionary measure.
Floodwaters have disrupted normal life in several parts of the state, inundating residential areas, damaging crops, cutting off road connectivity and causing power outages.
Revenue and Disaster Management Minister Suresh Pujari said rainfall had largely subsided across Odisha and that there was no forecast of heavy rain until August 1, raising hopes of a gradual improvement in the flood situation.
However, authorities remain on alert as the Mahanadi River is expected to witness moderate flooding. Officials said an inflow of nearly 9 lakh cusecs of water is likely to reach the Mundali barrage, prompting precautionary measures in low-lying areas, particularly in Cuttack. District administrations have been directed to evacuate vulnerable residents to safer places if required.
The minister also conducted an aerial survey of the flood-affected districts to assess the extent of the damage and review ongoing relief and rescue operations.
Officials said water levels in major rivers, including the Mahanadi, are expected to recede in the coming days as rainfall has reduced in the upper catchment areas of Chhattisgarh.
