Balasore (Odisha) [India], September 4 (ANI): The conditions in Jaleswar town, Balasore, have taken a turn for the better as the water level of the Subarnarekha River has receded below the danger threshold. Relief and medical efforts continue in the impacted areas, according to local officials.
Balasore District Magistrate Suryawanshi Mayur Vikas informed ANI that the river reached its highest level in Jaleswar on Thursday, but has since fallen to a safer level.
‘After the Subarnarekha River peaked in Jaleswar yesterday, the water level has now decreased below the danger mark,’ stated the DM.
He noted that approximately 40 Gram Panchayats were affected by the flooding, and the district administration is conducting relief operations as per the guidelines set by the Special Relief Commissioner.
‘We are providing food to everyone, distributing polythene sheets, and supplying drinking water along with medical support,’ Vikas mentioned.
The administration reported that around 100,000 bottles of water and 400 metric tonnes of dry food have been distributed, with cooked meals being offered at 75 different locations.
Vikas expressed optimism, stating that the decreasing water levels suggest an improvement in the situation, and they do not anticipate another rise in the river. However, he assured that any changes would be promptly communicated to the public.
Regarding emergency readiness, Vikas highlighted the deployment of four teams from the Odisha Disaster Rapid Action Force (ODRAF), four teams from the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), and 12 fire service teams in the affected areas, in addition to local teams equipped with boats for rescue and relief operations.
Three medical teams have also been dispatched to various locations to offer assistance and implement preventive measures against waterborne illnesses, he added.
‘The water is now receding, so we do not foresee it rising again; however, should we receive contrary information, we will inform you,’ the DM stated.
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has indicated that Odisha may experience isolated to scattered rainfall from September 3 to 9, with the possibility of heavy rainfall occurring on September 9.
