TV
The Subarnarekha river, as of Monday morning, crossed the danger mark, inundating low-lying areas across the six districts of northern and western Odisha, including Balasore, Bhadrak, and Jajpur.
Sources reported that at 6 am on Monday, the Subarnarekha river at Rajghat recorded a water level of 10.55 metres, which was above the danger mark of 10.36 metres. Further, floodwaters entered several areas under Baliapal, Bhograi, and Basta blocks, where villages and farmland have been submerged.
Reports confirm that many areas remain marooned, with standing crops damaged across large swathes of agricultural land. The inundation comes despite the river’s water level beginning to recede slightly since last night, forcing authorities to remain on high alert as upstream rainfall and dam discharges continue to pose a threat.
Emergency Teams Mobilised, Supplies Prepositioned
In response, the state administration has deployed two additional ODRAF (Odisha Disaster Rapid Action Force) units and 13 fire services teams to assist in evacuation and relief efforts. Dry food supplies and essential medicines have been prepositioned in vulnerable blocks, added reports.
The flood has affected several low-lying villages, and sources have confirmed that at least 8 panchayats in Bhograi and 7 in Baliapal have been severely impacted.
Water from the Galudhi Barrage in Jharkhand and continuous rains caused by a low-pressure system have led to a sharp rise in the Subarnarekha’s level, triggering fears of a second wave of severe flooding.
Baitarani Also Rising; Chandbali, Dhamnagar Affected
The flood situation has also worsened in Bhadrak district, where the Baitarani river has started overflowing in parts of Chandbali and Dhamnagar blocks.
Multiple villages in these regions are now cut off due to waterlogging, and access to clean drinking water and medical services is becoming increasingly difficult.
Administration In Damage Control Mode
Meanwhile, Balasore District Collector visited affected areas such as Kumabhiragadi, Kulha, Khalbadia, and Baunsakhana to review the ground situation. Officials held strategy meetings with block-level authorities to discuss response measures and prepare for potential escalation.
Speaking to the media, officials stressed that while water levels may show temporary improvement, the situation remains volatile. Continued rainfall and further upstream discharge could worsen flooding in the coming hours.
Senior officials from the Special Relief Commissioner’s office are monitoring the situation round-the-clock. The Chief Minister’s Office has been briefed, and additional relief and rescue support is being kept on standby, said reports.
