Flood havoc continues in Odisha; embankments breached at seven locations in Jajpur; water crisis intensifies in several areas.
Bhubaneswar. The flood situation remained grim in several parts of Odisha on Friday. Rising water levels and swelling rivers have compounded difficulties for residents in many areas. Reports indicate that embankments have breached at seven locations across three major rivers in Jajpur district due to heavy water flow. As the breaches cause water to spread rapidly into surrounding areas, the administration has had to intensify relief and rescue operations.
According to available information, the Brahmani River has been the most severely affected in Jajpur district; the pressure from the rising river caused its embankments to breach at four separate locations. Additionally, breaches were reported at two points along the Kani River—a distributary of the Baitarani River—and at one location along the Nua Mahara, a distributary of the Kharasrota River. Floodwaters have entered several low-lying areas following these breaches.
Administrative officials state that river water levels have risen sharply due to continuous rainfall and the influx of water from upstream areas. The increased pressure compromised old and weak embankments in several places. The breaches have led to waterlogging in rural areas, prompting the evacuation of residents to safer locations.
Teams comprising administrative personnel, disaster management units, and local officials are actively working in the affected areas of Jajpur district. Boats are being utilized for relief and rescue operations to evacuate people from heavily inundated zones and transport them to safety. The administration is arranging food, drinking water, and essential medicines for the affected population.
In light of the flood situation, the district administration has stepped up surveillance in vulnerable areas. Officials have been instructed to monitor the situation continuously and take immediate action in the event of an emergency. Furthermore, the public has been urged to stay away from riverbanks and waterlogged areas and to adhere to the administration’s directives. While rising river water levels during the monsoon are common in Odisha, the situation remains challenging this time due to continuous rainfall and drainage issues in several areas. Many rivers are flowing near the danger mark, raising concerns among residents of low-lying areas.
Apart from Jajpur, the impact of the floods is visible in other districts of the state as well. Transportation has been disrupted due to waterlogging on several rural roads. Disruptions to electricity and other essential services have also been reported in some locations. The administration is actively working to restore normalcy in the affected areas.
The state government has instructed relevant departments to remain on high alert. Officials from the Water Resources Department are monitoring the condition of embankments, and repair work is being initiated wherever there is a risk of weakness or damage. The administration states that the priority is ensuring public safety and delivering relief to affected areas as quickly as possible.
The Meteorological Department has forecast rain in some areas over the coming days. Consequently, the administration has ramped up preparations to handle any potential situation. Relief teams equipped with necessary gear are on standby, and heightened surveillance is being maintained in vulnerable areas.
Locals report that the sudden rise in water levels and embankment breaches have compounded their difficulties. Many families have been forced to leave their homes and move to safer locations. Villagers have urged the administration to provide relief supplies promptly and repair the damaged embankments.
Currently, the Odisha administration is prioritizing relief and rescue operations in the flood-affected areas. While embankment breaches at seven locations in Jajpur district have raised concerns, the administration maintains that the situation is being closely monitored and all possible assistance is being provided to the affected people.
