Jalaka river crosses danger mark, flood threat looms over Balasore

Flood fear has gripped Balasore district once again as the Jalaka river swelled above the danger mark following continuous rainfall. At Mathani, the river is flowing at 6.71 metres, surpassing the danger level of 6.50 metres and triggering alarms across low-lying areas.

The surge in water levels is attributed to heavy rainfall in the upper catchment areas of Mayurbhanj district, including Rasagobindapur, Morada, Shuliapada, and Chitrada. With the river still rising, the threat of flooding has intensified, raising concerns of widespread damage.

Farmland and Villages at Risk

At least 10 panchayats in Basta block, including Mathani, Baharda, and Kudia, are expected to be impacted if flooding occurs. Thousands of hectares of farmland, where paddy seedlings were recently transplanted, face the risk of being destroyed under stagnant water.

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Farmers fear massive losses, with reports already confirming damage to several hectares of crops. Floodwaters have also begun entering nearby villages, sparking concerns of property loss in addition to crop damage.

Administration on High Alert

The local administration has stepped up preparedness, reinforcing vulnerable embankments with sandbags and stocking dry food and drinking water for emergency relief. Authorities are making repeated announcements urging residents in low-lying, flood-prone areas to shift to safer ground. With precautionary measures in place, officials said they are bracing for the possibility of full-scale flooding and its aftermath.