Odisha CM Takes Action Amid Worsening Flood Crisis

Odisha CM Mohan Charan Majhi, along with key officials, conducted a review meeting on the state’s severe flood situation. High rainfall has led to the deployment of emergency response teams in southern Odisha, especially in Malkangiri, where over 1700 people were evacuated and 560 villages affected.

Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi convened a review meeting with the Minister of Revenue and Disaster Management, Suresh Pujari, at the Odisha Legislative Assembly in Bhubaneswar. The meeting, prompted by the state's critical flood situation following heavy rains, also included Additional Chief Secretary of Revenue and Disaster Management and Special Relief Commissioner D K Singh, according to the Information & PR Department of Odisha.

The flood scenario in southern Odisha, particularly in Koraput and Malkangiri, has deteriorated due to incessant rainfall. In response, CM Mohan Charan Majhi has appointed three senior officials to diligently oversee the crisis. The officials include Sundhansu Sarangi, Director General of Police (Fire Services), Bishnupada Sethi, Secretary of the Social Security & Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities Department, and Charan Meena, Deputy Inspector General of Police (Southern Division). They have been tasked with providing support to the district administration in Malkangiri.

Special Relief Commissioner D K Singh reported persistent heavy rain in Malkangiri on Monday, with some areas recording up to 253 mm of rainfall. Meanwhile, six blocks in the Malkangiri and Koraput districts recorded over 100 mm of rain, causing water to overflow bridges between Pangam and Motu Road. Six teams from the Odisha Disaster Rapid Action Force (ODRAF) have been deployed to Malkangiri, with two teams involved in rescue operations. Over 60 villagers, including two farmers, were rescued, and more than 1700 people have been evacuated from low-lying areas to various shelters. The SRC noted that 560 villages in Malkangiri and Koraput have been affected by the floods.

(With inputs from agencies.)