Odisha flood: Water level in Subarnarekha river recedes, but plight continues in Balasore 

Though the water level of the Subarnarekha River is gradually receding, the flood-affected villages of Bhograi block in Balasore district continue to reel under distress.

As per official reports, water level in the river, which had crossed danger level earlier, is now flowing below the red mark. At Rajghat, where the danger level is 10.36 metres, the water level dropped to 9.17 metres by 6 AM on Thursday. Despite the decline, 15 panchayats and over 30 villages still remain marooned, cut off from the outer world.

In Bada Mandaruni village, vast stretches of paddy fields remain submerged. 

“All our crops have rotted. The plants are dead. Once the water recedes completely, we will have to replant and start over,” lamented a local farmer.

Panchayats like Kusuda, Gabaga, and Manunagar remain completely isolated. Roads connecting them are submerged under 4 feet of water, leaving villagers dependent on traditional country boats for transport.

While the river may have shown signs of mercy, the suffering of the people continues unabated, with damaged crops, water-logged homes, and broken connectivity posing significant challenges to recovery.

Meanwhile, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecast heavy to very heavy rainfall in parts of north Odisha in the coming days. Any further rain could worsen the situation for already-affected areas, raising concerns among local authorities and residents alike.

Relief and restoration efforts are ongoing, but for the people of Bhograi block, the road to recovery remains slow and uncertain.