Balasore, Sept 3: Even as people in several parts of Odisha were yet to recover from the previous floods, North Odisha is once again facing a worsening flood situation. The Subarnarekha River has crossed the danger mark, inundating several areas of Balasore and leaving thousands of people stranded.
Heavy rainfall in Jharkhand under the influence of a low-pressure system has caused the water levels of the Subarnarekha and Budhabalanga rivers to rise. At Rajghat, the Subarnarekha was flowing at 11.32 metres on Thursday morning, remaining above the danger level despite a gradual fall in water levels.
The latest surge has affected low-lying areas of Jaleswar, Baliapal and Bhograi blocks. More than 50 panchayats in Bhograi and Baliapal have reportedly been affected, with over 70,000 people in 20 panchayats of Bhograi alone remaining surrounded by floodwater. Cooked food is being supplied to more than 12,000 people at 19 locations.
This is the third flood in the Subarnarekha in just over a month. The first flood occurred on July 28, followed by another on August 13. The fresh flooding has once again disrupted normal life across several parts of the district.
According to the district administration's preliminary assessment, 214 villages across 41 panchayats in Bhograi, Basta, Jaleswar, Baliapal and Remuna blocks, along with one municipal ward, have been affected, impacting around 1.57 lakh people.
Baliapal Worst Hit
The third wave of flooding has created a particularly grim situation in Baliapal. More than 50 villages across five panchayats—Asti, Madhupura, Baliapal, Bishnupur and Jamkunda—are surrounded by floodwater, affecting more than 60,000 people
Several roads remain submerged, with floodwater reportedly reaching depths of five to six feet at some locations. Boats and traditional country boats have become the primary means of transport for residents needing to travel or collect essential supplies.
Agricultural land has also suffered extensive damage. In several areas, floodwater has accumulated to around seven feet, submerging thousands of acres of farmland. With crops under water, farmers fear significant losses.
The repeated flooding has made daily life increasingly difficult, with residents struggling to access food, drinking water and transportation.
Rescue and Relief Operations Underway
The Baliapal administration has intensified rescue and relief operations. Nine boats provided by the Special Relief Commissioner, three ODRAF teams and one fire service team have been deployed in the affected areas.
Dry food, drinking water and cooked meals are being delivered to people stranded by the floodwaters.
Meanwhile, the Budhabalanga River had also witnessed a rise in water levels, affecting parts of Balasore municipality and low-lying areas around the city. However, officials said its water level has since started falling.
Flooding has also affected parts of Bhadrak and Mayurbhanj districts. More than 10 panchayats in Bhadrak have reported inundation, while four panchayats in Chandbali are facing a serious situation. Water is also flowing over parts of the Jajpur-Aradi road, while low-lying areas of Dhamnagar have been affected.
In Mayurbhanj, prolonged rainfall has affected all 21 blocks as well as Baripada municipality.
Relief in Sight, But Water Yet to Recede
According to the weather forecast, rainfall in Odisha is expected to decrease from Thursday, although scattered rain may continue in parts of North Odisha until September 5. No major rainfall is expected in the state until September 8.
The gradual fall in the Subarnarekha's water level has raised hopes of relief. However, the situation on the ground remains challenging as floodwater continues to linger in low-lying areas.
For thousands of families in Baliapal and other affected regions, the biggest question now is when the floodwater will finally recede—and when they will be able to return safely to their homes and farms.
