Floodwaters recede slowly as districts report hundreds of villages submerged
In Jajpur and Kendrapada, floodwaters are receding slowly after a multi-week deluge. Authorities report hundreds of villages affected and ongoing relief efforts amid renewed rainfall.
Key takeaways
- 4,34,632 people in 405 villages were affected in Jajpur district.
- 1,96,779 people in 140 villages were affected in Kendrapada district.
- Relief materials are being provided, and water levels are receding slowly, with a potential one-week timeline for many to return home.
What Happened
Rivers and tributaries in the Kendrapada and Jajpur districts remain swollen following a protracted flood, with waterways continuing to submerge a large number of villages. District authorities noted that hundreds of villages across both districts have been affected as floodwaters recede at a slow pace. In Kendrapada, sections of Pattamundai and nearby blocks were isolated as floodwaters breached embankments, displacing residents who sought shelter on higher ground or in relief facilities. In Jajpur, officials said a substantial portion of the district’s villages have been affected by the deluge.
Officials described the situation as ongoing, with rainfall in the last two days compounding difficulties for those living in affected areas and delaying recovery efforts. Some residents report that returning home will require water levels to fall further and that relief supplies are ongoing as the situation develops.
Why It Matters
The floods have disrupted homes, livelihoods and access to relief materials for tens of thousands of people. The continuation of flooding tied to rainfall and breached embankments means displacement could extend the humanitarian need for food, shelter and health services in the affected blocks.
Background
The disaster follows a period of heavy rainfall that intensified the flood situation in the two districts. The affected areas include communities in Dasarathpur, Bari, Binjharpur, Korei, Barachana, Rasulpur and Jajpur blocks in Jajpur district, and Aul, Pattamundai, Rajkanika and Rajnagar blocks in Kendrapada district. The situation has historically required district administrations to coordinate relief materials and support for affected residents.
Key Facts
- In Jajpur district, 4,34,632 people in 405 villages were affected, according to the district emergency officer.
- In Kendrapada district, 1,96,779 people in 140 villages were affected.
- The totality of affected villages spans 405 in Jajpur and 140 in Kendrapada, across multiple blocks.
- The floods began impacting homes after embankment breaches and continued with fresh rainfall in the last two days.
- Authorities indicated relief materials were being provided to affected populations as the situation persisted and water gradual receded.
- Residents reported isolated islands forming in Pattamundai due to floodwaters, and some families returning to damaged homes after temporary shelter.
What Happens Next
Officials indicated that many displaced families may have to wait at least another week before they can return home as water levels recede further. Ongoing relief distribution and monitoring of health risks linked to prolonged displacement are expected to continue.
Sources reviewed
Project Chintan independently synthesized and analyzed information cross-checked across the sources listed above.
