A flood-like emergency unfolded across parts of Odisha’s Balasore district as the Subarnarekha River breached its danger mark near Rajghat in Jaleswar block on Saturday.
The relentless rainfall upstream and sudden release of excess water from Jharkhand’s Galudih barrage intensified the inundation in low-lying areas of Bhogarai and Baliapal.
Villages such as Khalabadia, Kulha, and Baunskhana in Bhogarai and Kudamansingh, Chaudhurykud, and Baliapal reported up to four feet of floodwater, stalling vehicular movement and isolating panchayats. With standing crops submerged and vast farmlands damaged, locals face significant agricultural losses.
“We’ve lost our harvest, our homes are underwater,” lamented a local resident navigating floodwaters with his livestock on a country-made boat.
In Chaudhurykud, the river embankment’s vulnerability sparked urgent sandbag reinforcement. Relief teams are being deployed, and the district administration is monitoring the situation for potential evacuations.
As the water continues to rise, the state machinery remains on high alert, racing against time to safeguard lives and minimise damage.
