Floods Hit 7.85 Lakh People in Six Odisha Districts
Listen to the story
Severe floods have hit six districts in the Indian state of Odisha, affecting more than 7.85 lakh people. Lakh is an Indian term meaning 100,000, so the number equals about 785,000 people.
The situation is worsening because a weather depression is moving toward the northern districts of the state. A depression is a low-pressure weather system that often brings heavy rainfall.
Because of this depression, north Odisha is now on edge, meaning people there are anxious about further flooding. Officials have warned that more rain could arrive soon, adding to the damage already caused by the floods.
Earlier reports had said around 5 lakh people were affected, but the number has since risen sharply to 7.85 lakh, showing how quickly the flood situation is spreading across the state.
Odisha's Chief Minister, Majhi, has personally visited two of the worst-hit districts, Jajpur and Bhadrak, to see the damage and meet affected residents.
During his visit, the Chief Minister reviewed relief efforts and spoke with local officials about how the state is responding to the crisis. Such visits by top leaders are common after major natural disasters, as they show government attention and help coordinate emergency work.
Authorities are continuing to monitor the weather closely, since the approaching depression could bring fresh rain to areas that are already flooded. Six districts remain under close watch as officials try to manage the crisis and support the more than 7.85 lakh people affected across Odisha.
Vocabulary10 words
- flood
- a large amount of water covering land
- depression
- a weather system with low pressure that often brings rain
- on edge
- feeling nervous or worried about something bad happening
- district
- a smaller area within a state or region
- Chief Minister
- the top elected leader of an Indian state
- relief efforts
- work done to help people after a disaster
- natural disaster
- a very bad event caused by nature, like a flood
- affected
- harmed or changed by an event
- monitor
- to watch something closely over time
- crisis
- a very serious and difficult situation
Quiz
Answer key
1. A weather depression 2. It rose from about 5 lakh to 7.85 lakh 3. Jajpur and Bhadrak
Fill-in-the-blank listening
Play the audio again and fill in the missing words as you listen.
Severe floods have hit six districts in the Indian state of Odisha, affecting more than _____ people.
The situation is worsening because a weather _____ is moving toward the northern districts of the state.
Because of this depression, north Odisha is now on _____, meaning people there are anxious about further flooding.
Earlier reports had said around 5 lakh people were affected, but the number has since risen sharply to _____.
Odisha's Chief Minister, _____, has personally visited two of the worst-hit districts, Jajpur and Bhadrak.
During his visit, the Chief Minister reviewed _____ efforts and spoke with local officials.
Authorities are continuing to _____ the weather closely, since the approaching depression could bring fresh rain.
Six districts remain under close watch as officials try to manage the _____ and support the affected people.
Discussion questions
- Why do you think government leaders visit disaster areas in person?
- What kinds of help do people usually need after a flood?
- Why might the number of affected people rise quickly in a flood situation?
- How can weather forecasts help communities prepare for depressions and heavy rain?