Flood situation grim in Odisha’s Balasore: Over 50,000 struggle as several villages still marooned

With floodwaters from the swelling Subarnarekha River engulfing large parts of Balasore district, over 50,000 people are battling one of the worst flood situations in recent years.

Heavy rainfall upstream and the release of excess water from Jharkhand have pushed the river past the danger mark of 10.36 metres, flooding 61 villages under 21 gram panchayats across Baliapal, Basta, Bhograi, and Jaleswar blocks.

Visuals showcased that as floodwaters rose relentlessly for three days, homes, roads, and farmlands disappeared under muddy currents. In such a situation, families have been forced to flee, carrying children and livestock to whatever high ground they can find.

Bhograi Block Worst Hit As Villages Marooned

Sources reported that the Bhograi block remains the worst-hit, with five panchayats and twelve villages, including Kusuda and Gabagan, still underwater as of this morning.

In many areas, roads are flooded, and essential connectivity has been snapped, leaving residents stranded for four straight days, taking shelter in local schools and surviving with no access to clean water or food.

Despite Subarnarekha’s water level starting to dip near Rajghat, Bhograi’s main routes remain submerged.

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Families Take Shelter at Bus Stands and Cyclone Shelters

Reports also stated that in the Jamkunda panchayat of Baliapal block, several villagers are spending nights at bus stands out of fear of rising waters and of snake bites. Meanwhile, others have taken refuge along embankments, high roads, and cyclone shelters with cattle and children in tow.

A humanitarian crisis of sorts has unfolded with grim scenes featuring temporary shelters made from tarpaulin, children sleeping on concrete, and families sharing dry food when available.

Relief Still Out of Reach for Many Interior Areas

While authorities claim that relief is being dispatched, residents in interior and marooned villages allege they’ve received no support. The administration continues to struggle with logistics, as boats and rescue teams find it difficult to navigate submerged roads and strong currents. With power lines down in several places, communication has also become patchy, deepening the sense of isolation.

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It is worth noting that by Monday morning, the water level at Rajghat began receding slowly, falling below the danger level. However, the impact lingers. Villages remain waterlogged, and fear of disease, livestock loss, and crop destruction is mounting.