Odisha Faces Flood Crisis: Evacuations Underway as Rivers Overflow
Severe Flooding in North Odisha
In Balasore and Mayurbhanj, the Odisha government has initiated evacuation efforts as major rivers swell due to heavy rainfall. Officials reported on Monday that rescue and relief operations are in full swing.
A red alert has been issued for both districts as water levels in rivers such as Subarnarekha, Budhabalanga, Jalaka, and Sono continue to rise alarmingly.
As per official reports, the Subarnarekha river reached a critical level of 11.53 meters at Rajghat by noon on Monday, surpassing the danger threshold of 10.36 meters.
Four blocks in Balasore—Baliapal, Bhograi, Jaleswar, and Basta—are expected to face significant impacts.
Officials warned that the Budhabalanga river poses a risk of flooding in Balasore municipality and surrounding areas, while the Jalaka river threatens Basta and Balasore sadar.
Revenue and Disaster Management Minister Suresh Pujari stated that floodwaters have already affected parts of Balasore and Mayurbhanj, prompting the evacuation of residents from vulnerable areas. He assured that rescue operations are ongoing and the situation is being managed.
The minister noted that while the Subarnarekha river's level continues to rise, the Budhabalanga river is beginning to recede. He attributed the flooding to the release of rainwater from the Chandil Dam and Galudihi Barrage in Jharkhand.
Field staff are actively monitoring critical points along river embankments and are equipped with flood-fighting supplies in both districts.
The chief engineer is maintaining communication with district collectors in Balasore and Mayurbhanj.
Some breaches in riverbanks have been detected and are currently being repaired with sandbags and other materials.
Evacuated individuals are being housed in shelters where they receive cooked meals and dry rations.
Personnel from the Odisha Disaster Rapid Action Force (ODRAF) and Fire Service are engaged in ongoing rescue and relief efforts.
According to the emergency office in Balasore, 35 gram panchayats have been impacted by the floods, with the potential for further submersion due to rising Subarnarekha waters.
By Monday morning, 1,138 individuals had been evacuated in Balasore, with four teams from ODRAF and five Fire Service teams deployed in the area.
All schools and anganwadi centers in Mayurbhanj district were closed on Monday.
The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) has predicted continued rainfall across the state until July 5, with heavy showers expected in Mayurbhanj and Keonjhar in the north, as well as Sundargarh and Jharsuguda in the south. The state capital, Bhubaneswar, also experienced rainfall on Monday.