Balasore: In response to the worsening flood-like situation caused by the swelling Subarnarekha River, the Balasore district administration has cancelled the leaves of all government employees with immediate effect.
District Collector Suryawanshi Mayur Vikas issued an official order, directing employees on leave to report back to duty immediately.
As per the official order, employees are prohibited from leaving their headquarters without prior permission to ensure effective coordination and timely response in emergencies. Heads of government offices are directed to adhere to the order, with any deviations viewed seriously and dealt with under the Disaster Management Act 2005.
Notably, the Subarnarekha River has overflowed its banks near Rajghat in Jaleswar block, Odisha’s Balasore district, due to heavy rainfall in the upper catchment areas, causing flood-like conditions in several low-lying villages. The affected areas include Bhogarai and Baliapal blocks, where floodwaters have inundated villages such as Khalabadia, Kulha, Baunskhana, Kudamansingh, Chaudhurykud, and Baliapal.
The flood situation is dire, with water levels reaching up to four feet above some roads, disrupting vehicular movement and isolating areas. Multiple panchayats in Bhogarai, Jaleswar, and Baliapal blocks are inundated, causing significant damage to standing crops and agricultural land. Farmers face substantial losses as extensive paddy and vegetable fields are submerged, threatening their livelihoods.
