Bhubaneswar: More than 50,000 residents have been affected by a flash flood in Balasore district after heavy rainfall in neighbouring Jharkhand caused the Subarnarekha River to swell beyond danger levels.
Floodwaters have inundated numerous villages across 17 gram panchayats in Bhograi, Baliapal, and Basta blocks, along with parts of Jaleswar Notified Area Council (NAC). District authorities have launched emergency relief and rescue operations on a war footing.
“Several villages are under floodwaters. The local Assistant Block Development Officer (ABDO) and Panchayat Executive Officer (PEO) have been deployed for ground-level response. The water level was at 11.40 metres yesterday and has now reduced to 11.09 metres,” informed Balasore Additional District Magistrate Sudhakar Naik.
Balasore Collector Suryawanshi Mayur Vikas has directed Block Development Officers (BDOs) and Tehsildars to remain on high alert and prepare for possible evacuations.
The Chief District Medical Officer (CDMO) has been instructed to ensure availability of adequate medical supplies and services in the affected areas. Meanwhile, the Superintending Engineer (Irrigation) has been tasked with round-the-clock monitoring of water levels and the operation of Chandil Dam gates.
The Civil Supplies Officer has been asked to maintain sufficient stocks of food and other essential commodities. In view of the emergency, all government staff leave has been cancelled, and officials have been barred from leaving their respective headquarters without prior permission.
“In Rajghat, water levels crossed the danger mark. The danger level is 10.36 metres and the river had touched 11.40 metres. However, the level is currently receding,” said Water Resources Department Engineer-in-Chief Chandra Sekhar Padhi.
Relief camps have been set up in several locations and district officials are working closely with local authorities to manage the crisis and support affected communities.
