The Odisha government on Sunday cancelled leave for government officers amid the prevailing rain and flood situation, directing those currently on leave to return to duty immediately.
Chief Secretary Anu Garg said four districts had been placed under a red warning, while several others were under an orange warning as the India Meteorological Department (IMD) forecast heavy rainfall over the next three days. District Collectors have been instructed to make advance preparations and remain ready to deal with any emerging situation.
The government has also strengthened field-level monitoring in the worst-affected districts. Three senior officers will be deployed to Bhadrak, Balasore and Jajpur to monitor the situation and coordinate relief and response measures. Engineers from the Water Resources Department will also be assigned monitoring duties.
Odisha has received 953 mm of rainfall between June 1 and August 16, against the normal 749 mm for the period—about 27 per cent above normal.
According to the latest government assessment, 947 villages in 331 gram panchayats across 49 blocks have been affected by rain and flooding. Five urban areas have also reported impacts, with around 5.15 lakh people affected.
Meanwhile, flood-hit residents in several districts are facing another threat—snakes entering homes and other structures in search of dry shelter as rising waters inundate their natural habitats.
A large cobra was rescued late Saturday night from Patiri village under Dasarathpur block in Jajpur district, which remains submerged in floodwater. The snake had entered the house of Tapan Jena and was spotted by residents. Two members of the Snake Helpline rescued it and later released it into its natural habitat.
The Snake Helpline said more than 40 snakes had so far been rescued from flood-affected areas.
Residents along flooded rivers in Kendrapara, Jajpur and Bhadrak are also facing anxiety over sightings of crocodiles, adding to the risks posed by the inundation.
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