'OTV report prompts action', but Sambalpur artificial flood victims still in distress

Water is gradually receding in Sambalpur district of Odisha after an artificial flood left several areas of the city submerged on Wednesday. The sudden deluge, triggered by a single night of continuous rainfall, caused widespread distress as rainwater entered homes at midnight, forcing residents into hardship. The situation has begun to improve, with water receding from houses and roads.

With water levels falling, people have started cleaning their homes and attempting to restore normalcy. Many households were found to be filled with mud deposits, while residents were seen drying important documents and other essentials on the roadside. 

A local resident said, “We are trying to dry our papers out in the open. All our bank documents, essential items, clothes and even paddy stocks were submerged.”

Cleaning of blocked drains was also underway by the administration.

Localities Worst Affected

Among the worst-hit areas were Padhanpada, Dhanupali, Ainthapali and Danipali, where houses were severely inundated. Many families reported going hungry as cooking was impossible with their homes submerged. 

Another resident shared, “After OTV highlighted our plight, the Sambalpur Commissioner arranged food for us. Two police personnel came and provided flattened rice, jaggery and biscuits. Later at night, they gave us rice, dalma and pickle. But today, no arrangements have been made so far.”

Relief Efforts Underway

While food and relief distribution were initiated following media reports, residents expressed concern over the alleged lack of continuity in support.