District administrations across Odisha have been directed to remain on high alert and ensure that rescue and relief operations continue without interruption. Officials currently on leave have been asked to return to duty immediately, while personnel have been instructed not to leave their headquarters without prior approval.

Official data shows that the flooding has affected 49 blocks, 331 panchayats, and 947 villages, along with five urban areas, impacting nearly 5.15 lakh people. Rising waters from the Baitarani, Brahmani, Salandi, Jalaka, and Budhabalanga rivers have inundated several areas across Bhadrak, Baleshwar, Jajpur, Mayurbhanj, Kendujhar, and Kendrapada districts.

Three senior officers will be deployed to Bhadrak, Baleshwar, and Jajpur to oversee and coordinate relief operations on the ground. Meanwhile, engineers from the Water Resources Department have been assigned to closely monitor river levels, embankments, and flood-control structures.

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a red alert for heavy to very heavy rainfall in Odisha following the formation of a fresh low-pressure area over the Bay of Bengal. The Chief Secretary has directed all departments to remain vigilant and ensure that relief centres, evacuation plans, and essential supplies are fully prepared.

District administrations have already started taking similar precautionary measures, keeping Odisha’s disaster-response system on high alert as the flood situation develops.