Odisha Flood Situation Remains Critical as Over 11,000 People Evacuated to Safety

The Odisha government has intensified rescue and relief operations in Balasore district due to severe flooding. Over 11,000 residents have been evacuated to safer locations. Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi conducted an aerial survey of the flood-hit areas and instructed officials to ensure the rescue of people stranded in villages affected by the Subarnarekha River's overflow, caused by heavy rains from a deep depression.

Majhi observed the worst-hit blocks, including Baliapal, Jaleswar, and Bhograi. He informed reporters that one NDRF team, three ODRAF teams, and eight fire service teams are actively involved in rescue efforts. The district administration has been urged to expedite these operations as many villages remain isolated. "Villagers in 35 gram panchayats were still affected and efforts were underway to assist them," he stated.

Flood Impact on Agriculture and Infrastructure

The overflowing Subarnarekha, Budhabalang, and Jalaka rivers have caused significant flooding in Balasore district following intense rainfall. Fortunately, no human casualties have been reported so far. Majhi noted that six blocks and approximately 8,000 hectares of farmland have been impacted by the floods. He emphasized the government's commitment to addressing flooding issues in Balasore by instructing the Water Resources Department's engineer-in-chief to devise a long-term solution.

In addition to Balasore, neighbouring Mayurbhanj district has also experienced flooding, with 1,603 individuals evacuated from 101 villages. Low-intensity flooding has been reported in Keonjhar and Sundargarh districts as well. The Special Relief Commissioner's office reported that floodwaters have inundated 141 villages in Balasore district alone.

Relief Measures and Future Plans

The state government has established 51 free kitchens to provide cooked meals for those displaced by the floods. Meanwhile, sources from the Water Resources Department indicated that the Subarnarekha River is flowing above the danger level at Rajghat. Majhi reiterated that measures will be taken to address flooding issues in Subarnarekha.

The administration's immediate focus remains on ensuring safety and providing relief to affected residents. Efforts are ongoing to restore normalcy in flood-affected regions while planning for future flood prevention strategies.