Odisha CM Majhi Finds Balasore Flood Situation Concerning After Aerial Survey; Relief Efforts Intensified

Balasore: Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi on Wednesday conducted an aerial survey of the flood-affected areas in Balasore district, expressing deep concern over the grim situation. Heavy rainfall over the past few days has led to widespread flooding, affecting thousands of people and causing significant damage to property.

More than 8,000 hectares of land across six blocks have been submerged, with 35 gram panchayats in three blocks severely impacted.

The district administration has evacuated around 2,000 people from low-lying areas, providing them with cooked food and essential supplies. Rescue efforts involve eight Fire Service teams, three ODRAF teams and one NDRF team in the villages still cut off from surrounding areas.

Majhi emphasised that the state government is taking all possible steps to manage the flood situation in the swelling Subarnarekha river. The Water Resources department has been instructed to draft a plan for a permanent flood control solution, which will be implemented after review.

Heavy rains caused by a deep depression over the past four days have worsened the flooding, as rivers Subarnarekha, Budhabalang and Jalaka have overflowed.

On Tuesday evening, the Subarnarekha river was flowing at 10.70 metres, above its danger level of 10.36 metres. The Central Water Commission (CWC) has warned that it could surpass the 10.95-metre mark, its highest peak, leading to severe flooding in Basta, Bhograi and Baliapal blocks.

Floodwaters from the Budhabalang and Jalaka rivers have further inundated villages in three blocks due to sluggish drainage into the sea.

Authorities reported that more than 250 villages and 56 gram panchayats have been affected, with over 400 people evacuated from low-lying areas in Bhograi, Jaleswar, Basta, Baliapal, and Sadar blocks.

Revenue and Disaster Management Minister Suresh Pujari chaired a review meeting where Balasore Collector Suryawanshi Mayur Vikas confirmed that while water levels in the Subarnarekha river continued to rise, levels in the Budhabalang and Jalaka rivers were receding. Meanwhile, Mayurbhanj district, which also experienced heavy rainfall, has initiated evacuations in Badasahi, Betonati, Rashgovindpur, and Saraskana blocks.

Pujari noted that Balasore, Mayurbhanj, Jajpur, and Bhadrak districts have all been severely impacted by the recent rains, causing northern Odisha’s rivers to swell and worsen the flood situation.