Persistent rainfall in the upstream regions of Jharkhand has led to a sudden rise in the water levels of the Subarnarekha River, marking the first significant surge this season.
The release of 204,000 cusecs of water per second through eight gates at the Galudih reservoir has caused alarm among residents of riverside villages in Bhograi block, Balasore district.
As of 9 PM on Friday, the river’s water level reached 11.12 meters, with the irrigation department estimating a potential rise to 11.40 meters. However, with no rainfall in the district and reduced precipitation upstream, further escalation is unlikely.
The sudden influx has instilled fear among locals, particularly in Bhograi block, where inadequate flood embankments heighten the risk of inundation.
Villagers expressed concerns that a major flood could submerge several villages if the embankments are not reinforced urgently. Reports indicate that floodwaters have already entered villages like Kudmansingh in Baliapal and Khanabad in Bhograi.
In response to the potential flood threat, the district administration has cancelled leave for all government employees and is closely monitoring five panchayats in Baliapal and parts of Bhograi.
The district collector has instructed Block Development Officers to prepare for possible evacuations from low-lying areas. The irrigation department remains vigilant, with flood embankments under close watch to prevent breaches.
In a heart-wrenching scene, over 15 monkeys were stranded on a tree in the middle of the river near Dahamunda Ghat in Kharid Pipal panchayat, trapped by the raging floodwaters.
Local residents managed to rescue five monkeys using a boat, releasing them safely onto the riverbank. However, with nightfall hindering further efforts, the forest department could not rescue the remaining 10 monkeys, prompting calls from locals for immediate action till the last report came in.
