Odisha Flood Crisis: Over 300 Students Stranded As Floodwaters Inundate Kendrapara Ashram School, Relief Ops Intensified | Video

Odisha's Kendrapara district is grappling with a severe flood crisis that has stranded over 300 students at an ashram school. The Pattamundai Kulsahi Ashram School in Kulasahi village saw floodwaters rise to waist level, leaving students and staff vulnerable. Odisha Higher Education Minister Suryabanshi Suraj confirmed the disaster, stating that flood-like conditions have emerged on the rivers for the fourth time.

He assured that the same Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) adopted during previous instances are being followed, with dry rations and free community kitchen facilities provided to affected students and staff.

The affected areas span Dhamnagar, Bhandaripokhari, Chandbali, and Tihidi blocks, with 20 to 22 panchayats in Dhamnagar block alone experiencing inundation. The Brahmani River, a primary concern, has swollen rapidly, causing water levels to rise dramatically. Rescue and relief operations have been intensified, with 79 rescue teams deployed across the affected regions.

Indian Metrological Department reports indicate that 429 villages across 52 blocks in various districts have been impacted by floodwaters. Neighbouring districts of Mayurbhanj, Bhadrak, Jajpur, Sundargarh, and Keonjhar are also under heightened vigilance due to potential flash-flood risks, as warned by the Central Water Commission and forecasted by the India Meteorological Department.