Post office flooded in Balasore, depositors’ money and papers soaked after heavy rainfall

In a shocking consequence of the heavy rains that pounded Balasore town, bundles of currency notes and vital documents belonging to depositors were allegedly damaged after floodwater inundated the Postal Superintendent’s office on Wednesday.

Officials were seen drying Rs 500 notes, bonds, and savings certificates in the open — a stark reminder of the havoc unleashed by the downpour.

Triggered by a low-pressure system, incessant rainfall since Tuesday night has inundated large parts of the town, crippling normal life. The flooding of a key government office has sparked serious concern among thousands of small depositors who rely on post offices for the safekeeping of their savings.

Sources said several records were soaked, with staff making desperate efforts to salvage whatever they could. Locals blamed the incident on poor drainage systems and unchecked encroachments, which worsen the impact of every heavy spell of rain. 

“It has been raining since September 1, and documents kept in the lower rack of the almirah have been damaged. We are trying to restore the documents and cash,” a post office official said.

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Meanwhile, residents waded through knee-deep water across major streets and residential colonies, while many homes remained marooned. With the Meteorological Department forecasting more rain in the next 24 hours, fears of further damage loom large over the town.