Severe Flooding in Northern Odisha Affects Over 125,000 Residents

Flood Situation in Northern Odisha

Bhubaneswar, July 29 – The flood situation in northern Odisha remains critical as continuous rainfall has caused river levels to rise significantly, inundating several villages. More than 125,000 individuals across five districts have been impacted by the flooding, according to officials.

In response to the worsening conditions, authorities have ordered the closure of schools and anganwadi centers in ten districts. The heavy rainfall, attributed to a deep depression, has led to swollen rivers. Villages in Balasore, Bhadrak, Jajpur, Mayurbhanj, and Keonjhar have experienced flooding, with a substantial portion of agricultural land submerged.

Officials reported that flooding in the Budhabalanga and Jalaka rivers in Balasore district has led to water accumulation in several villages, while the Baitarani, Budha, and Salandi rivers have inundated areas in Bhadrak and Jajpur districts. According to the Water Resources Department, all major rivers in the region are flowing above the danger mark. The district administration is intensifying efforts to evacuate approximately 50,000 residents from low-lying areas to safer locations.

These individuals are being relocated to relief centers where cooked meals are being provided. Rescue and relief operations are being supported by teams from the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), Odisha Disaster Rapid Action Force (ODRAF), and the fire department. Additionally, the state government has deployed three senior IAS officers to oversee flood management and coordinate relief efforts in the most affected districts of Balasore, Bhadrak, and Jajpur.

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecasted heavy rainfall in several parts of Odisha over the next 24 hours.