Bhubaneswar: The relentless rainfall has caused widespread flooding, with the Subarnarekha river crossing the danger mark and inundating low-lying areas in Balasore.
According to reports, the Subarnarekha River at Rajghat recorded a water level of 10.55 meters at 6 am on Monday, surpassing the danger mark of 10.36 meters. The water level in the Subarnarekha River has surged due to the release of water from the Galudhi Barrage in Jharkhand, coupled with continuous rains fueled by a low-pressure system. The sharp increase in the water level has raised fears of further inundation, prompting officials to take proactive measures to address the crisis.
Meanwhile, floodwaters have entered several areas under Baliapal, Bhograi, and Basta blocks, submerging villages and farmland.
According to government reports, over 11,000 people have been affected in Balasore, Mayurbhanj, Bhadrak, Keonjhar, Sundargarh and Jajpur districts. In Mayurbhanj and Balasore, the flood fury is intense, with nearly 1,000 people shifted to nine relief camps. The district administrations are working tirelessly to provide relief to the affected people.
Meanwhile, Revenue Minister Suresh Pujari has instructed the collectors to ensure that relief materials reach all those affected.
Special attention is being given to Balasore district, where night patrolling has been intensified in flood-affected areas. Additional Relief Commissioner Manish Agrawal has been deputed to oversee rescue and relief operations in Balasore, Bhadrak, and Jajpur.
Rescue teams, including Odisha Disaster Rapid Action Force (ODRAF) and National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), have been deployed in the affected districts. In Balasore, five ODRAF teams and one NDRF team, along with 26 fire service teams, have been pressed into service. Similarly, in Mayurbhanj, one ODRAF team and 23 fire service teams are working to rescue people.
A total of 106 boats have been deployed in the affected districts to facilitate rescue and relief operations. The state government is working to mitigate the impact of the floods and ensure the safety of the people.
