Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi announced the extension of free kitchen facilities for an additional seven days to support over 10,000 flood-affected residents in Balasore, Bhadrak, and Jajpur districts, following an aerial survey of the inundated regions on Wednesday. Accompanied by Revenue and Disaster Management Minister Suresh Pujari, Higher Education Minister Suryabanshi Suraj, and Special Relief Commissioner Deoranjan Kumar Singh, Majhi assessed the damage in Balasore, Bhadrak, Jajpur, and Keonjhar, where 30,000 people across 81 villages in eight blocks have been impacted by floods triggered by the Subarnarekha, Baitarani, and Jalaka rivers.

“The flood situation is under control, with no lives lost,” Majhi told reporters, noting that 5,869 people were evacuated from low-lying areas. The state has deployed 30 teams (17 ODRAF, 13 Fire Service) in Balasore, 15 teams (1 NDRF, 1 ODRAF, 13 Fire Service) in Bhadrak, and 15 teams (1 ODRAF, 14 Fire Service) in Jajpur, with Keonjhar reporting minimal impact. Currently, 16 free kitchens in Balasore, 10 in Bhadrak, and three in Jajpur provide two meals daily. Water levels in the Subarnarekha (9.80 meters at Rajghat, below the 10.36-meter danger mark) and Jalaka rivers are receding, with floodwaters expected to subside in 2–3 days.

Majhi directed district collectors to assess damage to houses, roads, bridges, and livestock, promising new homes for those with completely damaged properties, repair assistance for partial damage, and compensation for animal losses. “The people’s safety and prosperity are our priority,” he posted on X, emphasizing coordinated relief efforts. The government’s proactive measures, including embankment monitoring and rescue operations, have been bolstered by 60 ODRAF, NDRF, and Fire Service teams across the affected districts.

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The India Meteorological Department issued an Orange warning for heavy to very heavy rainfall in Keonjhar, Mayurbhanj, and Bhadrak, and a Yellow warning for Balasore, Jajpur, and other districts, signaling continued vigilance. Majhi’s survey and relief commitments, while ongoing evacuations, reflecting public focus on the crisis. With 11,000 affected across six districts, including Mayurbhanj and Sundargarh, the state is prioritizing rapid damage assessment and compensation by early August.

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