Odisha is grappling with a severe flood crisis following incessant rainfall triggered by a deep depression, causing multiple major rivers to surge above their danger levels and inundating large parts of the state.
The widespread deluge has severely impacted normal life, displaced thousands, and caused extensive damage to homes, infrastructure, and agricultural fields.
Baleshwar and Bhadrak Bear the Brunt
The situation is critical in Baleshwar district, where relentless upstream rainfall has sharply raised water levels in the Jalaka, Budhabalanga, and Subarnarekha rivers. Blocks including Baleshwar Sadar, Remuna, Basta, Baliapal, Jaleswar, and Bhograi are heavily affected. At Rajghat, the Subarnarekha River reached 11.68 metres—well above its 10.36-metre danger mark—marking its fourth flood this season. Similarly, the Jalaka river crossed its danger mark at Mathani, flowing at 6.64 metres.
With inadequate drainage, floodwaters have swallowed agricultural fields, destroying recently transplanted paddy seedlings and vast stretches of vegetable crops. Many residents whose homes became submerged have been forced to relocate to embankments, erecting temporary tarpaulin shelters. Road connectivity has completely snapped in several areas, with water depths reaching up to five feet and forcing locals to rely on traditional country boats.
In Bhadrak district, the Baitarani and Salandi rivers have crossed danger thresholds for the seventh time this season. At Akhuapada, the Baitarani surged to 18.74 metres against a danger mark of 18.33 metres, impacting the Bhandaripokhari, Dhamnagar, Tihidi, and Chandbali blocks. The Salandi River has similarly breached limits at Rajghat, flooding 13 municipal wards and seven panchayats.
Widespread Damage Across Other Districts
The crisis extends far beyond Balasore and Bhadrak:
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Jajpur: A massive 70-foot breach in the Kani River embankment has flooded over 10 villages across Jajpur and Dasarathpur blocks, leaving families and children stranded on embankments.
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Kendujhar: The Baitarani River has crossed danger levels here as well, amplifying flood fears for downstream communities.
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Southern Odisha: Nabarangpur district has felt the severe impact, with 29 gram panchayats reporting waterlogged homes and inundated paddy, maize, and vegetable fields.
As authorities monitor the continuous rise in water levels, emergency response teams remain on high alert. The immediate priority is rescue and relief operations, though long-term concerns regarding crop devastation and infrastructure recovery loom large over the affected regions.
