In Odisha, floods triggered by heavy rain have hit more than a million people. About 1.12 lakh people have been shifted to safer places while 240 free kitchens have been opened for flood victims at different places.

Special Relief Commissioner of Odisha, PK Mohapatra, however told media persons at Bhubaneswar today that the possibility of a major flood in the Mahanadi system has been averted and water level in all major rivers in the state is receding.

The death toll due to heavy rains and floods in the state has gone up to 34 including 19 in the current phase of natural calamities.

Our correspondent reports that the situation remains grim in the lower catchment areas of Mahanadi, the
largest reiver of Odisha, following Hirakud Dam's release of excess
water through 50 gates.

A total of 26 breaches including both small and big have occurred at various places in the embankments of
different rivers in the state.

Many villages have been marooned by
flood water, while road communication in the flood-affected areas has
been cut-off.

11 National Disaster Response Force and 30 Odisha Disaster Rapid Action Force teams have been deployed to assist the
administration in rescue and relief operations.

The Odisha government has requested the Defence Ministry to keep two choppers on stand-by for airdropping and rescue operation if required.