Odisha CM Majhi visits flood-hit Jajpur as 242 villages remain marooned; relief operations intensified
By Gulam Goss/Akshya Rout
Bhubaneswar, Aug. 17: Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi on Monday visited flood-affected areas of Jajpur district, including Dasarathpur, to assess the situation and review rescue and relief operations as large parts of the district remained inundated.
The Baitarani river continued to flow above the danger mark at Dasarathpur, while the Brahmani at Jenapur was flowing below the danger level, officials said. The combined impact of the two river systems and their tributaries has severely affected several low-lying areas of Bari, Jajpur, Dasarathpur and Binjharpur.
As many as 242 villages across eight blocks remain surrounded by floodwaters, disrupting road connectivity and affecting normal life. Several areas remain inaccessible, prompting the administration to intensify rescue and relief operations.
During his visit, Majhi reviewed the situation with senior district officials and interacted with people affected by the floods. He directed the administration to ensure uninterrupted supply of essential commodities, drinking water and medical assistance, besides expediting the restoration of connectivity in affected areas.
The flooding has also caused extensive damage to agricultural land, with large tracts of paddy and vegetable fields submerged. Farmers are apprehensive about crop losses and the impact on their livelihoods.
The district administration has stepped up relief measures, including the distribution of cooked food and other essential supplies to affected families. Rescue teams have also been deployed in vulnerable areas to evacuate or assist people stranded by the rising waters.
The situation showed Jajpur’s recurring vulnerability to floods, particularly in the Baitarani basin. Officials are closely monitoring river levels and other vulnerable locations as the floodwaters continue to recede in some areas.
A detailed assessment of damage to crops, roads and other infrastructure will be undertaken after the waters recede, officials said. The administration is also working to restore communication links and ensure that relief reaches all affected communities.
With hundreds of villages still cut off, the immediate challenge for the government is to ensure the safety of residents, sustain relief operations and facilitate an early return to normalcy in the flood-hit areas.
