Balasore, August 15: The flood situation in parts of Odisha has worsened following heavy rainfall, with Balasore emerging as one of the worst-affected districts. The administration has stepped up rescue, evacuation and relief operations across vulnerable areas.

Balasore, Mayurbhanj, Bhadrak, Jajpur, Sundargarh and Keonjhar have been affected by the latest spell of flooding. According to officials, 429 villages across 52 blocks have been inundated, while more than 41,000 people have been evacuated to safer locations as a precautionary measure. As many as 79 rescue teams have been deployed across the affected areas.

In Balasore, Remuna and Balasore Sadar blocks, along with parts of Bahanaga and Basta, have been affected by floodwater.

Balasore District Magistrate Suryavanshi Mayur Vikas said officials have been deployed across the affected areas and are closely monitoring the situation.

“Remuna block, Balasore Sadar block, and some areas of Bahanaga and Basta have been affected by floods. It is raining in Jharkhand, so there is a high possibility of water coming from there as well. All officials have been deployed in the area,” he said.

The administration's immediate priority is to ensure that essential supplies reach affected residents. Food and drinking water are being distributed, while medical teams have been kept on alert.

Authorities are also closely monitoring the possibility of additional water entering northern Odisha following rainfall in neighbouring Jharkhand. River levels and rainfall patterns are being continuously tracked in Balasore and other vulnerable districts.

The flooding followed two days of heavy rainfall, which caused several rivers in northern Odisha to swell, inundating villages and roads. Relief centres have been opened, while residents of low-lying areas are being shifted to safer locations wherever necessary.

The Central Water Commission has warned of a flash-flood risk in parts of Odisha, while the India Meteorological Department has forecast further heavy rainfall in several parts of the state. An alert has also been issued for 11 districts amid continued rainfall activity.

With the possibility of further rainfall and rising water levels, authorities have maintained heightened vigilance and are coordinating evacuation, relief distribution and medical preparedness across the affected districts. (ANI)