Odisha CM Majhi to Visit Flood-Hit Bhadrak, Jajpur
Majhi is expected to interact with affected residents and hold discussions with officials on immediate assistance and post-flood restoration
Bhubaneswar: Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi will visit flood-affected areas of Bhadrak and Jajpur districts today to assess the situation on the ground and review relief, rehabilitation and damage-assessment measures.
The visit comes amid a challenging flood situation in northern Odisha, with several low-lying areas inundated following heavy rainfall and rising water levels in major rivers. Bhadrak, Jajpur and Balasore have been among the worst-affected districts, with roads, agricultural fields and residential areas suffering damage.
Majhi is expected to interact with affected residents and hold discussions with officials on immediate assistance and post-flood restoration. The state government has cancelled the leave of all government employees and directed those already on leave to return to duty in view of the situation.
Three senior IAS officers have been deployed in the worst-affected districts to coordinate relief and rehabilitation operations. Central Range RDC Sudhansu Samal has been assigned to Bhadrak, Odisha State Civil Supplies Corporation Managing Director K Sudarshan Chakraborty to Balasore, and Excise Commissioner P Anwesha Reddy to Jajpur.
The officers will remain stationed in their respective districts and supervise relief distribution, restoration of essential services and rehabilitation work.
Heavy rainfall has raised concerns over rivers including the Baitarani, Salandi and Jalaka, with authorities maintaining close vigil in vulnerable areas.
The continuing rain has also prompted precautionary measures in the education sector. Schools across Mayurbhanj district remained closed on Monday for students from Classes I to XII amid concerns over waterlogging and disruption of transportation.
In Bhadrak, 271 schools were ordered shut as a precaution. Schools in parts of Dhamnagar, Bhandaripokhari and Tihidi blocks, besides some institutions in Chandbali and Basudevpur, remained closed.
The India Meteorological Department has forecast further rainfall over Odisha, prompting district administrations to remain on alert.
Officials said their immediate priority was to ensure food, drinking water, medicines and healthcare for affected families while simultaneously assessing damage to crops and infrastructure. Relief teams have been mobilised in vulnerable areas, with restoration work to follow as water levels recede.
Authorities have advised residents in flood-prone areas to remain alert and follow instructions issued by local administrations as the monsoon remains active.