Flooding in Odisha: Chief Minister Mohan Majhi Reviews the Aerial Inspection, Affirms Current Conditions Manageable
Odisha Floods: Extensive Rescue and Relief Efforts Underway
Over the past few weeks, the state of Odisha has been battling significant floods caused by incessant rainfall across six northern districts: Balasore, Mayurbhanj, Bhadrak, Jajpur, Sundargarh, and Keonjhar.
As of late July 2025, over 11,000 people have been affected, with more than 5,800 evacuated from low-lying and vulnerable areas, particularly in Mayurbhanj and Balasore. The worst-hit district has been Balasore, where multiple teams from Odisha Disaster Rapid Action Force (ODRAF), National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), and Fire Services have been deployed for rescue and relief operations.
The floodwaters have impacted eight blocks across three districts (Balasore, Bhadrak, and Jajpur). In Balasore, four blocks (Basta, Baliapal, Bhograi, and Jaleswar) have reported significant inundation. In Bhadrak, the blocks of Dhamnagar and Bhandaripokhari have been impacted, while in Jajpur, floodwaters have affected the Jajpur and Dasarathpur blocks.
To address this crisis, the state administration has launched extensive relief and rehabilitation measures. Temporary relief centres have been set up, where around 10,000 people are receiving two cooked meals a day. Emergency response teams are being deployed, and basic supplies and medical assistance are being ensured. Compensation will be provided to those who have lost homes or suffered property damage.
The Chief Minister, Mohan Charan Majhi, conducted an aerial survey of flood-affected areas in Odisha, accompanied by the revenue minister Suresh Pujari and the higher education minister Suryabanshi Suraj. During the survey, the Chief Minister reviewed the extent of damage and relief efforts underway in the worst-hit districts. He asserted that the overall flood situation remains under control and emphasised the government's commitment to "zero casualties".
The situation appears to be stabilizing, with water levels in major rivers such as the Subarnarekha and Jalaka receding steadily. As of July 28, 2025, the water has receded in most rivers, including the Subarnarekha, Brahmani, Baitarani, Jalaka, and Budhabalang, though some villages remain inundated and cut off, requiring boat movement. The Chief Minister confirmed that water levels were below danger marks, with floodwaters expected to recede further in 2-3 days.
With the waters beginning to recede, the focus is now shifting toward rehabilitation. The goal is to restore damaged infrastructure and ensure life returns to normal in the flood-hit areas at the earliest. The state government has directed district collectors to assess damages to infrastructure and houses, promising new homes for completely damaged houses and assistance for partially damaged ones, along with compensation for lost domestic animals.
Officials remain vigilant as they continue to monitor the rivers and vulnerable embankments, ensuring that the flood situation remains under control and that any further threats are promptly addressed. The state government's swift and effective response has helped minimise the impact of the floods and provided much-needed relief to the affected communities.
[1] The Times of India
[2] The New Indian Express
[3] The Indian Express
- Politics: The state government's swift and effective response to the Odisha Floods has undoubtedly become a topic of discussion in general-news, with numerous media outlets praising the administration's handling of the crisis.
- General-news: As the waters begin to recede in Odisha, news outlets are covering not only the relief efforts and rehabilitation efforts but also the political implications of the crisis, with discussions on the government's commitment to "zero casualties" and the potential reforms that may follow in flood-prone areas.
