Odisha faces a renewed flood crisis as the Subarnarekha and Baitarani rivers surged above danger levels, leaving hundreds of villages inundated and thousands of residents in distress.
Heavy rainfall in the upper catchment areas, coupled with the release of 5,039 cusecs of water through 13 gates of Jharkhand’s Galudih barrage, sharply increased the Subarnarekha’s flow. At Rajghat, where the warning level is 9.45 metres, and the danger mark is 10.36 metres, the river was recorded at 11.54 metres by 7 a.m., marking the third flood this season.
The fresh surge submerged villages across Baliapal, Jaleswar, and Bhograi blocks, with floodwaters flowing up to five feet deep over roads, cutting off communication and isolating communities. Residents reported severe disruption to daily life, with many struggling to move or access essentials.
Meanwhile, the Baitarani river triggered breaches in Jajpur, washing away stretches of road and worsening the crisis. Officials have urged residents to remain vigilant as floodwaters from previous surges had not fully receded before the latest inundation.
In contrast, Mayurbhanj district showed signs of relief as the Budhabalanga river’s water level began to fall, allowing displaced families to return home from relief centres.
Authorities continue to monitor the situation closely, with disaster response teams deployed to affected regions.
