Flood, crop loss haunt farmers in Odisha’s Balasore as Jalaka, Budhabalanga rivers rise above danger mark

Fresh flood fears have gripped Balasore district after continuous rainfall pushed the water levels of the Jalaka and Budhabalanga rivers above danger marks. As of Saturday morning, several villages and farmlands in Basta and Sadar blocks have already been inundated, disrupting road communication and forcing the closure of local markets.

According to reports, the Jalaka river at Mathani was flowing at 6.71 metres this morning, against the danger mark of 6.50 metres.

The rise is attributed to heavy rainfall in the upper catchment areas of Mayurbhanj. Further, with the monsoon depression triggering two days of continuous downpour, water inflows have surged, creating the possibility of fresh flooding in downstream areas.

Villages and Farmlands Under Threat

In the Basta block, nearly 10 panchayats face the immediate threat of submergence. In the Sadar block, Srirampur and Rasulpur panchayats are also vulnerable.

Sources reported that floodwaters have entered crop fields, and roads in several low-lying areas are already waterlogged, affecting the movement of vehicles and pedestrians. Shops and local markets in affected zones remained closed.

Meanwhile, farmers expressed deep concern over the fate of recently transplanted paddy saplings, vegetables, and pulses. Reports stated that if waterlogging continues for more than two to three days, hundreds of hectares of standing crops could be destroyed.

Adding to the woes, ground reports mentioned that many cultivators had taken loans for the current agricultural season and now fear massive losses if the floodwaters do not recede quickly.

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Administration on Alert

Local authorities have begun monitoring river gauges and vulnerable embankments. With water levels still rising, the situation is being closely tracked to assess whether evacuation measures will be required in flood-prone panchayats.