Odisha CM Mohan Charan Majhi Tours Flood-Hit Districts as Over One Lakh People Evacuated

Hindustan Times•Published: Sep 28, 2026 12:04 AM IST

Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi conducted an aerial survey and visited flood-affected regions on Sunday to oversee relief operations after heavy rainfall triggered widespread inundation across 13 districts. The state government has successfully evacuated over one lakh residents to more than 500 relief centers to ensure their safety amid rising water levels.

Evacuation Efforts: More than 100,000 people have been relocated to temporary shelters, with Balasore district alone accounting for over 67,000 displaced individuals.
Infrastructure Challenges: The release of excess water from the Hirakud Dam, combined with heavy rainfall, has forced the opening of 28 reservoir gates and threatened delta districts with minor flooding.
Relief Provisions: The administration has committed to providing food, clean water, medical services, and essential supplies to displaced families for a period of 15 days.

The Context & Background

Heavy rainfall caused by a deep depression over the Bay of Bengal has severely impacted southern, coastal, and northern Odisha. The situation remains critical as authorities monitor the Mahanadi river system, which is expected to see increased water flow over the coming 48 hours.

Why it matters:The flooding poses a significant threat to both human life and agricultural stability in Odisha, necessitating urgent government intervention. Effective management of the Mahanadi river flow and timely relief distribution are critical to preventing long-term economic damage and ensuring the safety of vulnerable populations in the delta region.

Enjoyed this 2-minute breakdown?

Share it with your colleagues and friends!