Floods hit 100 villages in Odisha's Balasore district due to rising water levels in three rivers. 2,916 people have been safely evacuated so far. The IMD has issued a heavy rainfall alert until July 5.
Odisha: The situation in Odisha's Balasore district has become extremely critical due to floods. Water has inundated roads and fields in approximately 100 villages in the northern parts of the district, severely disrupting normal life. The water level is rising further due to continuous rainfall.
Rising Levels of Three Rivers Cause Crisis
The rise in water levels of the three rivers, Subarnarekha, Budhabalanga, and Jalaka, is cited as the primary cause of the flood situation. The water levels of these rivers continue to remain above the danger mark. According to the administration, the most affected blocks are Bhograi, Baliapal, Jaleswar, and Basta. The impact of the floods has been widely observed in these areas.
2,916 People Moved to Safe Locations
The administration has so far evacuated 2,916 people from the flood-affected areas and shifted them to shelter houses. The Balasore Collector, along with senior officials, visited the affected areas. A total of 46 gram panchayats have been affected by the floods so far. Relief and rescue operations are ongoing.
River Water Levels Still Above Danger Mark
Although officials say that the water levels of the Subarnarekha and Jalaka rivers are gradually receding, both rivers are still flowing above the danger mark. The administration has appealed to the villagers to remain vigilant and has instructed the local administration to expedite relief efforts.
Heavy Rainfall Due to Low Pressure in the Bay of Bengal
Heavy rainfall is occurring due to the low pressure formed over the Bay of Bengal. Consequently, a rapid increase in the water level of the Baitarani River has been recorded. This poses a flood threat to several gram panchayats in the Dasharathpur, Korei, Binjharpur, and Bari blocks of Jajpur district. The administration is continuously monitoring the situation in these areas.
Alert Instructions in These Blocks
The district administration has issued instructions to the Dasharathpur, Binjharpur, and Bari block administrations to exercise special caution. Alerts have been issued in the gram panchayats there. Relief teams have been kept ready to take immediate action if needed.
Rainfall Warning Until July 5
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has informed that continuous rainfall is expected in several parts of Odisha until July 5. Rainfall is ongoing in several districts of the state, including Bhubaneswar and Cuttack. The Meteorological Department has issued a warning for heavy to very heavy rainfall, along with thunderstorms and lightning, in the districts of Mayurbhanj, Keonjhar, and Sundargarh for July 2. Winds can blow at a speed of 30 to 40 kilometers per hour.
Heavy Rainfall Expected in These Districts Too
There is also a possibility of heavy rainfall with thunderstorms and lightning in the districts of Deogarh, Sambalpur, Angul, Dhenkanal, and Bargarh. The administration has been asked to remain alert in these areas as well. People have been appealed to avoid going near rivers and to stay in safe places.
Relief Work Ongoing, Administration Alert
The administration has intensified relief and rescue operations in all affected districts. Arrangements are being made for food, medicines, and drinking water for those staying in shelter houses. Health department teams have also been deployed to deal with post-flood diseases.
