Sixth wave of floods ravages Balasore; Bhograi villages submerged, farmlands damaged

The Bhograi block in Balasore district continues to grapple with devastation eight days after the sixth wave of floods triggered by the rising Subarnarekha river, leaving large areas inundated and isolated.

Villages, roads, and farmlands remain submerged, stranding thousands of residents. Though the river has now receded below the danger mark, relief is yet to reach many low-lying areas.

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According to sources, 62 villages across nine panchayats have been affected, with nearly 10,000 hectares of transplanted paddy fields completely destroyed.

Farmers Hit Hard by Stagnant Water

The floods have severely impacted farmers, with nearly 3-foot-high water still standing in farmlands. Agricultural activity has come to a halt, and the destruction of standing crops has left cultivators facing heavy losses.

Chakeisab Among Worst Affected

Chakeisab village is one of the worst hit, where residents remain cut off even after more than a week. A villager said, “The village has flooded for the sixth time. If an elderly person gets sick, then there are no accommodations to take them to the hospital for medical assistance; there are no boats here. The government had given us 1 kg of flattened rice and rice for seven days. The government provided relief once, but that was never going to last us for three months.”

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Residents Struggle for Medical Aid

Another resident described the difficulties faced in emergencies, saying, “I took a child to the hospital and faced several difficulties as there are no boats or any other means available to access medical assistance.” With basic services crippled and access routes cut off, locals remain trapped in worsening conditions.