Odisha Floods Leave 95,000 Evacuated as Rains Persist

Widespread flooding across multiple districts of Odisha has affected more than 270,000 people, prompting the evacuation of tens of thousands to relief camps as authorities monitor a developing weather system that threatens continued heavy rainfall. The crisis, which began with intense rains earlier in the week, remains severe in several northern regions despite some river levels beginning to recede.

According to the State Emergency Operation Centre, the floods have impacted 503 villages across 52 blocks in districts including Mayurbhanj, Balasore, Bhadrak, Jajpur, and Keonjhar. Rising water levels in the Baitarani, Brahmani, Salandi, Jalaka, and Budhabalanga river systems have inundated farmland, roads, and low-lying areas. Officials report that over 95,000 people have been evacuated to 226 relief camps where cooked food, safe drinking water, sanitation, and medical care are being provided. More than 118 response teams, including units from the Odisha Disaster Rapid Action Force and National Disaster Response Force, have been deployed for rescue and relief operations.

The situation is particularly grave in Mayurbhanj district, where continuous rainfall has swelled the...