Odisha evacuates 5,000 people as floods upend lives of 30,000  

The Odisha Government evacuated more than 5,000 people on Wednesday (July 30, 2025) as floods roiled the lives of 30,000 people in three districts. The State Government also announced the supply of cooked food for the next 7 days in the Balasore, Bhadrak, and Jajpur districts.

Chief Minster Mohan Majhi, Revenue and Disaster Management Minister Suresh Pujari, and Higher Education Minister Suryabanshi Suraj conducted an aerial survey to take stock of the flood situation.

Following the aerial survey, Mr. Majhi said 81 villages in 8 blocks across 3 districts were affected by the floods. The affected blocks were Basta, Baliapal, Bhograi, and Jaleswar in Balasore district; Dhamnagar and Bhandaripokhari in Bhadrak district; and Jajpur and Dasarathpur in Jajpur district.

“While around 30,000 people have been affected, 5,869 people have been relocated to safe places,” Mr. Majhi said.

Water levels receding

He said the situation was under control as water levels in various rivers were receding. “In Balasore, water levels in the Subarnarekha and Jalaka rivers are going down. Although floods were reported in Keonjhar and other districts, there is no major impact,” said Mr. Majhi.

According to the Chief Minister’s Office, dry food and, where needed, hot cooked meals were being provided to flood-affected people.

Mr. Majhi said there was a risk of an outbreak of waterborne diseases. He stressed the need for water source purification and instructed local officials to maintain strict vigilance and implement preventive measures. He advised caution and preparedness to tackle any possible outbreaks.

The Odisha CM also cautioned about snakebite incidents in several areas and directed health officials to stock anti-venom and other essential medicines.

Damage assessment

Collectors have been instructed to assess and report damage. Based on these reports, assistance will be provided.

“Reports will also include damage to homes and loss of livestock. In villages where roads have been damaged, immediate repair and restoration of connectivity have been ordered. Advisories have been issued to ensure sufficient supply of cattle feed in affected areas,” said the CMO.

The CM reiterated the government’s resolve to ensure zero casualties. and to that end, 17 Odisha Disaster Rapid Action Force teams, and 13 fire service teams have been deployed in Balasore district; one National Disaster Response Force team, one ODRAF team, and 13 fire service teams in Bhadrak; and one ODRAF team and 14 fire service teams in Jajpur.