Odisha flood situation remains grim; over 13.44 lakh people affected across seven districts

August 21, 2026

Bhubaneswar: The flood situation in Odisha remained grim on Thursday, with hundreds of villages and more than 13.44 lakh people affected across seven districts as the state government continued rescue, relief and restoration operations.

According to the latest report from the State Emergency Operation Centre (SEOC), operating under the Office of the Special Relief Commissioner (SRC), the affected districts are Baleshwar, Mayurbhanj, Bhadrak, Jajpur, Kendujhar, Kendrapada and Sundargarh.

The report said 13,44,698 people across 1,703 villages, 505 gram panchayats, 76 blocks and 12 Urban Local Bodies have been affected by the ongoing flood situation.

Rivers show falling trend as relief operations continue

The state government said the situation remained particularly challenging in Mayurbhanj, Baleshwar, Bhadrak, Jajpur, Kendrapada and Kendujhar.

However, major rivers were showing a falling trend and remained below the danger level, according to the latest assessment.

Authorities have so far evacuated 4,87,350 people and accommodated them in 880 relief shelters. The SEOC and District Emergency Operation Centres (DEOCs) are monitoring the situation around the clock.

Free kitchens remain operational in affected areas and have provided cooked food to 4,95,833 beneficiaries so far. Dry food and other essential relief materials are also being distributed according to local requirements.

The administration has distributed 4,765 polythene sheets/rolls to affected families.

126 response teams deployed for rescue

To strengthen rescue and emergency response operations, 126 teams have been deployed across the affected districts.

The teams include 32 ODRAF teams, eight NDRF teams, 46 Fire and Emergency Services teams and 40 Police, Civil Defence and local teams.

Rescue personnel have reached 492 cut-off villages, while 124 emergency medical evacuations have been carried out.

A total of 210 boats and specialised equipment have also been deployed for rescue and relief operations, with additional resources kept ready for deployment wherever required.

Health services prioritised in flood-hit areas

The state government said healthcare remained a priority across affected areas.

As many as 93 medical teams have been deployed and 159 medical camps conducted, providing medical assistance to 11,549 people.

Special attention is being given to maternal healthcare. Authorities have shifted 150 pregnant women to health institutions, while 44 institutional deliveries have been conducted.

The government said adequate stocks of essential medicines, anti-snake venom, oral rehydration solution (ORS) and intravenous fluids have been maintained.

No disease outbreak has been reported so far, officials said, while relief, rescue and restoration operations continue across the affected districts.