Mahanadi floods inundate villages in Jagatsinghpur; families stranded on embankments

The rising waters of the Mahanadi River have inundated several villages in Jagatsinghpur district’s Tirtol area, leaving residents marooned and families stranded.

Floodwater entered the tribal settlement late Sunday night, submerging homes and rendering dozens of families homeless. Over 30 families have abandoned their houses and taken shelter on the river embankment.

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Kotkana Cut Off by Rising Waters

Floodwater also entered the Kotkana tribal settlement, submerging the connecting road and cutting off access to the village. Over 20 families are currently surrounded by water, struggling with limited mobility and resources.

Villagers Voice Concerns

A villager said, “Since Sunday, with the sudden rise in water, it has become impossible to cross to the other side. Nearly 2,000 cattle usually go there for grazing, but today they could not. Around 60 people, including children, are stranded and unable to cross over. No one from the local administration has arrived yet, and this has caused severe disruption to our daily life.”

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Another resident said, "Water levels in the affected areas are at knee height. While block officials could not be contacted, the Sarpanch is on the way. We inspected the local school, which is being cleaned and may serve as a temporary shelter for stranded families if needed. The water level began rising from Sunday evening, worsening the situation in low-lying pockets of the region."