Odisha flood: Situation remains grim in Balasore, over 5000 hectare of farmland affected

Northern Odisha's flood situation remains critical with Subarnarekha River above danger levels, submerging 30 villages in Balasore. IMD predicts more rain, threatening further damage.

Odisha flood: Situation remains grim in Balasore, over 5000 hectare of farmland affected

Odisha flood: Situation remains grim in Balasore, over 5000 hectare of farmland affected

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The flood situation in northern Odisha continues to remain grim even though the water levels of major rivers have receded. Subarnarekha River remains above the danger mark, with the water level recorded at 10.39 meters near Rajghat at 6:00 AM today, surpassing the danger level of 10.36 meters.

According to sources, around 30 villages under Bhogarai block in Balasore district have been submerged by floodwaters. Several panchayats, including Kusuda and Gabagaon have been cut off from the outside world due to inundation. Four blocks in Balasore district are currently waterlogged, affecting thousands of residents.

Floodwaters have entered homes, and villagers are seen commuting on boats through submerged village roads. Agricultural losses are mounting, with standing crops destroyed in the rising floodwaters.

While the Water Resources Department reported a slow decline in the water levels of Subarnarekha, Budhabalanga, and Jalaka rivers, floodwaters are yet to recede from village areas. More than 5,000 hectares of farmland have been affected, raising concerns of a possible agricultural crisis in the region.

Also Read | Odisha flood: Heavy rain Batters Koraput; temporary bridge submerged

Meanwhile, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) has predicted heavy to very heavy rainfall across several parts of Odisha over the next 72 hours. This fresh spell of rain may worsen the situation further and lead to a renewed rise in water levels in already swollen rivers, posing fresh challenges for flood-hit areas.

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