Odisha braces for more floods as rivers swell, 3.3 lakh evacuated

Odisha is grappling with a deteriorating flood situation as water levels in several major rivers continue to rise following heavy rainfall. The India Meteorological Department has warned of more precipitation in the coming days, raising concerns about further inundation across the eastern state.

Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi said the state government has successfully evacuated 3.30 lakh (330,000) people from flood-prone areas to relief camps and safer locations. The evacuation operations have been scaled up as authorities prepare for the expected additional rainfall and potential overflow of rivers.

The flooding has affected multiple districts across Odisha, with rivers swelling beyond normal levels due to the monsoon-induced downpours. State disaster management authorities are on high alert, monitoring river levels and coordinating rescue and relief operations in affected regions.

The IMD's forecast of further rainfall has prompted authorities to intensify preparedness measures, including stockpiling relief materials and deploying emergency response teams. Officials have also issued advisories to residents in low-lying and flood-prone areas to remain vigilant and follow evacuation orders when issued.