Bhubaneswar, September 18: The flood situation in Balasore district has reached alarming levels, with the Subarnarekha river swelling far beyond its danger mark due to continuous heavy rainfall in its upper catchment areas. With roads submerged and communication links severed, hundreds of villages in the northern part of the district are now completely cut off from the outside world, leaving residents stranded and vulnerable.
The Subarnarekha river was reported to be flowing at 11.60 meters at Rajghat, well above the danger level of 10.36 meters. The rising waters have inundated major roads, making them impassable and isolating villages. Villagers have been forced to seek refuge on rooftops and river embankments as floodwaters have inundated their homes.
With little to no access to basic amenities, residents are dependent on government agencies and non-governmental organizations (NGOs) for dry rations. “We are unable to cook food as our grains are soaked and our fireplaces submerged due to the floodwaters,” said Geeta Dalai, a resident of Bhogarai block, one of the worst-affected areas.
Bhogarai, along with Jaleswar and Balipal blocks, has been hit particularly hard, with floodwaters entering homes and agricultural fields.
Chief Minister Mohan Majhi conducted an aerial survey of the affected areas on Wednesday morning to assess the extent of the damage.
Describing the situation as “grim,” Majhi acknowledged the severe impact the floods have had on the district and the challenges faced in relief and rescue efforts. Following his aerial inspection, the Chief Minister held a high-level meeting in Bhubaneswar to review the government’s response and coordination of relief efforts.
“Several parts of Balasore have been severely affected due to the heavy rains over the past two to three days,” Majhi said. “Six blocks, covering over 8,000 hectares, are submerged. Thirty-five gram panchayats across three blocks have been directly impacted by the floods.”
In response to the crisis, the district administration has evacuated nearly 2,000 residents from low-lying areas to safer locations. Cooked meals are being provided to those displaced. The Odisha Fire Services have deployed eight teams for rescue operations, while three teams from the Odisha Disaster Rapid Action Force (ODRAF) and one team from the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) are on the ground, working tirelessly to reach villages that remain inaccessible due to the flooding.
Majhi assured the public that the state government is taking all necessary steps to address the situation. “The Engineer-in-Chief has been directed to prepare a road map for a permanent solution to the recurring floods in the Subarnarekha river basin. Once the report is submitted, we will take immediate steps to implement long-term flood control measures,” he added.
While relief efforts are ongoing, authorities are hoping for a break in the weather to allow rescue teams to reach more remote areas. The situation remains critical, with many communities continuing to face hardships as floodwaters show no immediate sign of receding.