Flood fear looms large as Jalaka river crosses danger mark in Odisha's Balasore

The water level in the Jalaka River has crossed the danger mark, triggering fear of flood among the residents at Mathani under Basta block in Balasore district. Torrential rain for the last few days has added to the woes of the locals living on the river's banks.

The water level at Jalaka River stands at 6.51 meters which is higher than the danger threshold of 6.00 meters. The rise in water level is due to the constant and heavy rainfall in the upper catchment area of Rasgobindpur, Morada, Suliapada, and Chitrada.

Farmers are worried as acres of agricultural lands, vegetables, and standing crops are on the verge of submerging in the flood water. If the torrential rain continues, the situation will turn worse, farmers said.

Meanwhile, a blocked drainage system has caused artificial floods submerging acres of agricultural lands in Nuasahi, Parbatipur, Ichhapur, Khadikud, and other villages under Nimapara block in Puri district.

Farmers in the block are distressed a lot as the flood water has remained stagnant on paddy fields in the absence of a drainage facility. The flood water is rotting the paddy saplings.

This has severely affected the farmers who are staring at distress sales.