Heavy and continuous rainfall has triggered a looming flood crisis in Odisha’s Balasore and Mayurbhanj districts, with rivers Subarnarekha, Budhabalanga, and Jalaka swelling beyond safe levels.
The India Meteorological Department’s forecast linked the downpour to a persistent low-pressure system over the region, intensifying the crisis in several low-lying areas.
In Balasore’s Basta block, water levels are rising alarmingly across villages like Mathani, Baharda, Kudia, and Sadanandpur. Officials warn that if the rainfall continues, up to eight panchayats in Basta and two in Sadar block (Srirampur and Rasulpur) may face heavy inundation.
Cracks have also reappeared in the sluice gate of Khala Jodi on the Subarnarekha River, first damaged during the season’s initial flood spell. Water is currently gushing through five open gates, prompting locals to stack sandbags in an attempt to minimize overflow.
At Rajghat, the Subarnarekha River has crossed the warning mark of 9.45 meters, currently flowing at 9.50 meters. Meanwhile, the Jalaka River in Mathani has breached the danger level, and the Budhabalanga River continues to swell.
District administrations in both regions have ramped up evacuation and relief efforts, moving people from at-risk villages to safe shelters. “We evacuated three villages last night and shifted residents to nearby schools. There is no embankment breach yet,” said Balasore ADM Hemant Singh.
Superintending Engineer Naba Kumar Mahalik from the Water Resources Department confirmed that emergency materials like sandbags and response teams are ready. “Our officials are in high-alert mode,” he added.
To avoid sudden water surges, Odisha authorities are in continuous coordination with Jharkhand officials over regulated upstream water release.
With embankments already strained and rains showing no sign of stopping, the next few days will be crucial in determining the flood resilience of both districts.
