Bhubaneswar: The state government has directed the officials concerned to conduct surveys and assess the extent of crop loss caused by the recent spell of heavy rainfall in Odisha.

The district administrations have been asked to conduct the surveys immediately and submits reports to the state government, said Revenue and Disaster Management Minister Suresh Pujari on Monday.

“The state government will provide compensation to the affected farmers within 24 hours of completion of the damage assessment,” added the minister.

The Revenue Minister chaired a high-level meeting to review the preparedness to manage a possible flood-like situation in view of the rising water level in Baitarani river.

The meeting reviewed the current water level of the Baitarani river, the anticipated flood situation, the likely affected areas and population, preparedness measures undertaken by the district administrations, evacuation and rescue arrangements, management of shelter homes, availability of relief materials, and deployment of rescue teams, said the Revenue and Disaster Management Department.

It is worth mentioning here that several districts in Odisha were affected by the recent spell of heavy rainfall triggered by a low-pressure area over the Bay of Bengal. However, the water levels in the Mahanadi, Devi, Jalaka, Kushabhadra, Rushikulya and Ib rivers remain below the danger level.

“The water level of the Baitarani river has witnessed a relative rise at Anandapur and Akhuapada, it continues to remain well below the danger mark. The Revenue & Disaster Management Department is maintaining constant vigil over the water levels of all major rivers. The state government is fully prepared to deal with any eventuality,” said the Minister.