As the Subarnarekha River continues its devastating course through Odisha’s Balasore district, more than 50,000 residents are grappling with a catastrophic flood that has engulfed 61 villages across Baliapal, Basta, Bhograi, and Jaleswar blocks.
The Bhograi block, notably, has taken the brunt of the disaster, with multiple villages, including Kusuda and Gabagan, completely submerged.
Triggered by incessant rainfall upstream and water release from Jharkhand, the river breached its danger mark at 10.36 metres, submerging homes, farmlands, and critical road networks. Families have been forced to flee on foot, carrying children, elders, and cattle to higher ground—often schools, bus stands, or hastily constructed tarpaulin shelters.
Despite official claims of ongoing relief efforts, many stranded in interior hamlets and allege no aid has reached them. Rescue teams struggle to navigate the murky waters and submerged roads, and electricity and communication breakdowns have only heightened the distress.
In the Jamkunda panchayat of Baliapal, fear of rising water levels and snake bites has pushed villagers to sleep in bus stands and on embankments. The situation has prompted the cancellation of government officials’ leave, signalling the administration’s concern over the mounting humanitarian crisis.
Although the water level at Rajghat has started to recede, the aftermath persists. Widespread waterlogging, fears of disease outbreaks, and uncertainty over crop and livestock losses mark the latest chapter in Odisha’s enduring battle with monsoon fury.
