Flood in North Odisha: Villages cut off, crops submerged, roads damaged

Heavy rainfall and subsequent flooding have severely affected northern districts of Odisha, especially Balasore and Mayurbhanj, leaving thousands affected, farmlands inundated, and several villages cut off from the outside world.

Balasore: 46 Panchayats Affected, Thousands of Acres Under Water

Due to relentless rains and rising river water levels, several panchayats in northern Balasore have been cut off. Over 2,900 people have been evacuated as floodwaters submerged thousands of acres of farmland. According to district authorities, 46 panchayats have been impacted — including 14 in Basta block, 10 in Jaleswar, 2 in Baliapal, 13 in Bhograi, and one each in Remuna and Soro.

Jaleswar’s urban area, comprising 7 municipal wards, also reported waterlogging. Balasore is witnessing massive crop damage, with floodwaters continuing to flow through large tracts of agricultural land.

Central RDC B. Parameswaran visited the Jaleswar Municipality Office on Monday to assess the flood response measures. He later visited the banks of the Subarnarekha River and the Nandika area to examine drainage issues and flood conditions.

Mayurbhanj: Rivers Swell, Over 100 Villages Inundated

In Mayurbhanj, continuous low-pressure-induced rains have caused widespread flooding. Rivers such as Budhabalanga, Deo, Gangahar, and Sona are flowing above normal levels, leading to inundation of over 100 villages across blocks like Morada, Shuliapada, Saraskana, Bangiriposi, Betanati, Barasahi, Gopabandhunagar, Karanjia, Jashipur, and Kusumi.

More than 300 kutcha houses have been damaged. In many areas, floodwaters have entered homes, and locals have been unable to cook for the past two days. Drainage congestion caused by flooding in the Jarali and Sarali rivers has led to severe waterlogging in various wards of Baripada town.

Landslide Blocks Road in Similipal; Wildlife Sanctuary Closed

In Similipal, ongoing rains triggered a landslide on the Kalikaprasad-Gudgudia road near Mahubhandar village. The road and adjacent walls have been washed away, disrupting access to about 40 villages in Barehipani, Gudgudia, and Astakumar panchayats.

Following a visit by Forest and Environment Minister Ganesh Ram Singh Khuntia and Similipal North Range DFO Sai Kiran, emergency road repairs were carried out. At present, only two-wheelers are allowed on the route, while movement of four-wheelers, including ambulances and supply vehicles, remains suspended.

As a result, tourists, residents, and essential services vehicles inside Similipal have been advised to exit via the Jashipur gate using alternate routes. Authorities announced that the Similipal Wildlife Sanctuary will remain closed until further notice.

Relief Measures Underway

Similipal Field Director Prakash Chandra Gogineni said that full road repairs will begin once the rain subsides. The route is a crucial lifeline for thousands of residents and connects multiple forest colonies inside the sanctuary.

Meanwhile, the district emergency officer confirmed that the flood threat has now eased due to reduced rainfall. However, in low-lying areas where water has entered homes, the administration is conducting rescue operations and distributing dry and cooked food.
source:sambadenglish.com