Severe Flooding in Odisha Affects Over 1.3 Million Residents

Bhubaneswar, India Aug 21, 2026 ALN: The flood situation in Odisha has taken a turn for the worse, with hundreds of villages and lakhs of people still marooned by floodwaters across the state. The state government is closely monitoring the situation, focusing on relief, rescue, and restoration of essential services in the affected areas.

According to the latest report from the State Emergency Operation Centre (SEOC), operating at the Office of the Special Relief Commissioner (SRC), seven districts—Baleshwar, Mayurbhanj, Bhadrak, Jajpur, Kendujhar, Kendrapada, and Sundargada—are currently facing severe flood conditions. These districts have been particularly vulnerable due to their geographical locations, which include river basins and low-lying areas that are prone to heavy rainfall and flooding.

The SRC office has reported that 1,344,698 people in 1,703 villages across 505 gram panchayats and 12 Urban Local Bodies in these seven districts have been affected by the ongoing floods. This significant number highlights the widespread impact of the flooding, which has disrupted daily life, damaged homes and infrastructure, and posed serious challenges to public health and safety.

“In recent days, the situation has remained particularly challenging in Mayurbhanj, Baleshwar, Bhadrak, Jajpur, Kendrapada, and Kendujhar districts. However, as of today, major rivers are showing a falling trend and are below the danger level,” the state government stated. This observation is crucial as it indicates a potential easing of the immediate crisis, although the aftermath of the flooding is likely to linger for weeks or even months, necessitating ongoing support and recovery efforts.

Officials have successfully evacuated a total of 487,350 individuals, accommodating them in 880 relief shelters. The state government continues its relief and restoration operations while monitoring the situation around the clock through the SEOC and district-level District Emergency Operation Centres (DEOCs). The establishment of relief shelters is vital for ensuring the safety and well-being of displaced residents, who may have lost their homes or are unable to return due to unsafe conditions.

Free kitchens are operational across the affected areas, providing cooked food to 495,833 beneficiaries so far. Dry food materials and essential relief items are being distributed based on local needs, with 4,765 polythene sheets/rolls given to affected families. The provision of food and shelter is critical during such disasters, as it helps to prevent malnutrition and supports the overall health of the population during a time of crisis.

To bolster rescue and emergency response operations, 126 response teams have been deployed across the affected districts. This includes 32 ODRAF teams, eight NDRF teams, 46 Fire and Emergency Services teams, and 40 Police/Civil Defence/Local teams. Additional resources are available for deployment as needed. The rescue teams have reached 492 cut-off villages, and 124 emergency medical evacuations have been conducted. The deployment of such a large number of specialized teams reflects the seriousness of the situation and the commitment of the state government to provide timely assistance to those in need.

A total of 210 boats and specialized equipment have been mobilized for rescue and relief operations. The state government emphasizes that health services remain a priority in all affected areas. Access to healthcare can be severely compromised during flooding, making it essential for medical teams to be present and prepared to respond to emergencies.

As many as 93 medical teams have been deployed, conducting 159 medical camps and assisting 11,549 individuals. Special attention is being given to maternal healthcare, with 150 pregnant women transferred to health institutions and 44 institutional deliveries performed. The focus on maternal health is particularly important as pregnant women face increased risks during disasters, and ensuring their care is vital for the health of both mothers and newborns.

Adequate stocks of essential medicines, anti-snake venom, ORS, and IV fluids have been ensured, with no disease outbreaks reported so far. This is a crucial aspect of disaster management, as stagnant water can lead to the spread of waterborne diseases, which often become a secondary crisis in the aftermath of flooding. The proactive measures taken by health officials to stockpile necessary medical supplies have likely played a significant role in preventing such outbreaks.

The implications of this flooding extend beyond immediate relief efforts. The economic impact on the affected regions can be substantial, affecting agriculture, local businesses, and infrastructure. Recovery from such disasters often requires long-term planning and investment, as communities work to rebuild and fortify themselves against future flooding events. The state government, alongside various agencies, will need to assess the damage, provide support for rebuilding efforts, and implement strategies to mitigate the impact of similar disasters in the future.

In conclusion, the severe flooding in Odisha has affected millions, prompting a significant response from the state government and various agencies. While immediate relief efforts are underway, the long-term recovery and rebuilding process will require careful planning and collaboration among various stakeholders to ensure that communities emerge stronger and more resilient in the face of future challenges.