Balasore, Odisha – The flood situation in Odisha continues to deteriorate, with more than 50,000 people affected as rising waters wreak havoc across several districts, particularly in Balasore. Heavy rainfall over the past few days has led to widespread inundation, marooning multiple villages and displacing thousands of residents.
According to local authorities, continuous downpours have caused the Subarnarekha and Jalaka rivers to swell above danger levels, breaching embankments in various low-lying areas. As a result, several villages in the Balasore district are now completely cut off, with residents stranded without access to clean water, food, or medical aid.
District officials reported that at least 100 villages have been severely impacted, with agricultural fields submerged and homes damaged. Emergency relief teams have been deployed, but poor road connectivity and submerged pathways have hampered rescue operations. Boats are being used in some regions to evacuate people to safer grounds.
The state government has opened multiple relief camps and is coordinating with the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and Odisha Disaster Rapid Action Force (ODRAF) to manage the crisis. Over 5,000 people have already been relocated to temporary shelters. However, the number of affected individuals is expected to rise as water levels continue to increase.
Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik held an emergency review meeting and instructed officials to prioritize rescue operations and ensure the immediate distribution of food packets, drinking water, and medicines. “Our focus is on saving lives and providing necessary assistance. We are monitoring the situation closely,” he said.
Local residents, however, have expressed frustration over the slow pace of response. “We have been stranded for two days with no food or water. No one has come to help us,” said a villager from the Soro block in Balasore, one of the worst-hit areas.
Flooding has also disrupted electricity and mobile networks in several regions, making communication difficult. Schools and government offices in the affected areas have been temporarily shut down as a precautionary measure.
Meteorological forecasts suggest that rainfall may continue in some areas for the next 48 hours, raising concerns of further flooding. Authorities have issued alerts in vulnerable districts and advised residents to move to higher ground.
As Odisha grapples with this worsening crisis, there is an urgent need for a coordinated relief effort to reach the marooned population. While rescue and relief work is ongoing, the situation remains grim, and the state government has appealed to the Centre for additional support and resources.
This flood marks yet another chapter in Odisha’s recurring struggle with natural disasters, highlighting the need for stronger infrastructure and better preparedness in the face of climate challenges.
