Heavy Rainfall: Odisha’s districts asked to take strategic measures for relief and safety

Bhubaneswar: The Special Relief Commissioner (SRC) conducted an extensive assessment of the substantial rainfall situation across different districts of Odisha today.

In the course of the meeting, the official issued directives to the respective Collectors to extend necessary support to the affected populace.

The SRC held a comprehensive review with the Collectors representing Angul, Balasore, Bargarh, Boudh, Bhadrak, Bolangir, Dhenkanal, Gajapati, Jajpur, Jharsuguda, Kandhamal, Keonjhar, Kalahandi, Mayurbhanj, Nuapada, Subarnapur, and Sambalpur.

The Collectors were instructed to implement adequate precautionary measures and strategically position all field-level personnel to effectively address any contingencies.

A consensus was reached during the meeting to arrange for the evacuation of individuals residing in waterlogged areas, if necessary, ensuring their relocation to secure shelters. Adequate supplies of food and potable water will be furnished.

In the event of circumstances involving water accumulation and fallen trees, the local Fire Service units and Urban Local Body (ULB) authorities will collaborate on dewatering and debris clearance operations.

The Director General of Fire & Emergency Services has been formally requested to dispatch teams to the districts of Boudh, Mayurbhanj, Subarnapur, Angul, Bolangir, Kandhamal, Sambalpur, Jajpur, and Bhadrak for search and rescue efforts.

For rescue and search responsibilities, ODRAF teams are being dispatched to Keonjhar and Sambalpur, while NDRF teams are being deployed in Bhadrak and Jajpur.

The SRC also conducted an evaluation of the existing conditions of river systems and reservoirs, emphasizing the need for heightened vigilance among the concerned officials.

Due to the heavy downpour experienced in various regions, multiple districts in Odisha, including Keonjhar, Bolangir, Kalahandi, Sonepur, and Nuapada, have decided to observe a holiday on Wednesday, impacting schools and Anganwadi centers. The decision, initiated by the District Collectors, is attributed to the flood-like situations and waterlogging prevalent in these areas.