Flooding Crisis in Odisha Affects Over 1.3 Million People

The flooding crisis in Odisha remains severe despite recent rains subsiding, affecting more than 1.3 million people across seven districts. Fresh inundations have been reported in Balasore district as waters from the Subarnarekha River continue to overflow its banks. Special Relief Commissioner Rajesh Prabhakar Patil indicated that the river peaked at 3 am, resulting in the flooding of 28 gram panchayats in the Bhograi block and 20 in the Baliapal block of Balasore.

The condition of state highway-57, connecting Jaleswar and Chandaneswar, has deteriorated due to floodwaters, halting all vehicular movement in the area. The average water level at Rajghat stands at 11.6 meters, which is above the designated danger threshold. Given this alarming situation, additional rescue and relief teams are being deployed to assist affected residents.

According to officials, the rise in water levels was exacerbated by the discharge from the Galudih barrage located in Jharkhand, but they anticipate a reduction in levels by Friday. Alongside the Subarnarekha River, the Budhabalanga and Jalaka rivers are also showing rising trends, although they are expected to recede soon.

The latest reports reveal that 2.65 lakh residents in 524 villages across twelve blocks of Balasore district have been directly affected. To mitigate the crisis, over 79,842 people have been evacuated to safer locations or flood shelters.

In neighbouring districts, conditions are gradually improving. However, significant challenges remain in Jajpur and Bhadrak, where many villages continue to be marooned. Jajpur district has seen 4.29 lakh individuals impacted, with more than 1.31 lakh evacuated to temporary shelters. Meanwhile, the situation in Bhadrak remains serious, with over 1.96 lakh residents currently residing in flood shelters. The Kendrapara district has also been notably affected, with a reported 2.4 lakh individuals displaced.

As rescue efforts in Balasore and surrounding areas progress, authorities are closely monitoring river levels. SRC Rajesh Patil emphasised the ongoing relief operations, stating, “Water levels are expected to decrease, but we are prepared for challenges ahead if further rainfall occurs.” The India Meteorological Department has issued forecasts of potential rain in the region from Friday onwards, highlighting the need for heightened vigilance and preparedness.

The government has organised relief measures, including the deployment of special teams and the establishment of free kitchens, catering to residents cut off from normal sources of food and water. The current relief efforts aim to focus on vulnerable populations, including children, pregnant women, and those with disabilities.

In light of the continuing challenges posed by the flooding, the state's response teams remain on high alert, with multiple units from the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and the Odisha Disaster Rapid Action Force (ODRAF) deployed to assist in rescue operations. As conditions are monitored closely, local authorities are committed to providing ongoing support to the communities affected by this natural disaster.