THEBUSINESSBYTES BUREAU

BHUBANESWAR, AUGUST 1, 2026

Nearly eight lakh people have been affected by the floods triggered by incessant rains across several districts of Odisha, while 2.69 lakh people have been evacuated to safer places as part of the government's zero-casualty strategy, Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi said on Saturday after conducting an aerial survey of the flood-hit regions.

Accompanied by Revenue and Disaster Management Minister Suresh Pujari and the Special Relief Commissioner, CM Majhi undertook an aerial assessment of the flood situation across more than 12 blocks in five severely affected districts. The survey covered Dasarathpur, Bari and Binjharpur blocks in Jajpur district; Dhamnagar, Bhandaripokhari and Chandabali blocks in Bhadrak district; Soro, Remuna and Baleshwar Sadar blocks in Baleshwar district; Badasahi, Udala and Kaptipada blocks in Mayurbhanj district; and Hatadihi block in Kendujhar district.

Talking to media persons after the survey, the Chief Minister said several villages continue to remain marooned by floodwaters, although the overall situation is showing signs of improvement. He expressed hope that the floodwaters would recede within the next two days, paving the way for restoration and assessment work.

Majhi directed officials to complete the damage assessment within three days of the floodwaters receding. He assured that financial assistance for crop losses, damaged houses and other affected sectors would be provided immediately after the assessment is completed.

The Chief Minister said he is personally monitoring the evolving flood situation and has instructed ministers and senior officials to remain in constant touch with the affected districts, review the ground situation and take prompt measures wherever necessary. He added that the government is also maintaining a close watch on the flood situation in Puri district.

Reiterating the government's commitment to ensuring zero casualties, Majhi said around eight lakh people have been affected by the floods, with 2.69 lakh shifted to safer locations through timely evacuation.

He said rescue and relief operations are being carried out by 17 teams of the Odisha Disaster Rapid Action Force (ODRAF), seven teams of the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and 129 units of the Fire and Emergency Services. Around 700 relief camps and shelters have been opened across the affected districts, where displaced people are being provided accommodation, dry and cooked food, safe drinking water and medical care.

Senior officials have been deployed in the field to closely monitor relief distribution and restoration work, the Chief Minister said.

Majhi further informed that the state government has released Rs 26 crore from the State Disaster Response Fund (SDRF) to strengthen rescue and relief operations. Affected families are being supplied with polythene sheets, dry and cooked food, drinking water and essential medicines.

The Chief Minister said directions have also been issued for the immediate repair of roads damaged by floodwaters to restore connectivity at the earliest. He added that the administration has been asked to maintain strict surveillance to prevent any outbreak of post-flood diseases and ensure timely healthcare interventions.

Expressing satisfaction over the government's response, Majhi said timely dissemination of information, advance preparedness and coordinated action by various agencies had helped avert major flood-related losses despite the widespread inundation.