Odisha gears up to tackle flood situation; cancels holiday of Govt officials  

Bhubaneswar: Reviewing flood-like situation following incessant rain in the State, Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik today directed officials concerned to open control rooms round the clock in all the districts and keep an eye on the water level of major rivers.

At a meeting held at the Secretariat, Patnaik also asked officials of Urban Development Department and district administrations to install high-power pumps to flush out rainwater from urban areas. Besides, ODRAF and fire brigade teams have been instructed to remain alert to tackle any kind of eventuality. The CM has also asked officials concerned to keep relief materials ready for people residing in Cuttack and Bhubaneswar municipal areas.

Meanwhile, holiday of all Government officials has been cancelled till Monday for their assistance in relief and rescue operations.

“In view of the prevailing flood-like situation in many parts of the State and in view of the forecast of heavy to very heavy rainfall in next 48 hours, it has been decided to cancel the holiday on July 22 (Sunday) and keep all offices open across the State,” said SRC Bishnupada Sethi in an official communiqué to all district Collectors.

Health Minister Pratap Jena said special teams of doctors will also be deployed and health camps will be organized in all affected districts.

In the Twin City, ODRAF and fire fighting teams have already been deployed and cooked food is being supplied to around 16,000 people in the flood-affected areas. Besides, 181 pumps have been installed to discharge rainwater, officials informed.

During the meeting, it was informed that except Sambalpur, Sundergarh and Jharsuguda, all districts in the State witnessed heavy rain today with Puri district recording the highest 322mm rainfall. SRC Bishnupada Sethi and Chief Secretary AP Padhi were also present at the meeting.

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