Over 50,000 Affected by Subarnarekha Flood in Balasore

Bhubaneswar: More than 50,000 residents in Balasore district have been affected by a flash flood triggered by heavy rainfall in neighbouring Jharkhand, which caused the Subarnarekha River to swell beyond its danger mark.

Floodwaters have inundated dozens of villages across 17 gram panchayats in Bhograi, Baliapal, and Basta blocks, as well as parts of the Jaleswar Notified Area Council (NAC). District authorities have launched large-scale relief and rescue operations, with officials on high alert.

“Several villages are under water. The Assistant Block Development Officer (ABDO) and Panchayat Executive Officer (PEO) are actively engaged in response measures on the ground. The Subarnarekha river level, which had risen to 11.40 metres, has now receded slightly to 11.09 metres,” said Balasore Additional District Magistrate Sudhakar Naik.

Balasore Collector Suryawanshi Mayur Vikas has directed Block Development Officers (BDOs) and Tehsildars to prepare for possible evacuations and maintain vigilance in vulnerable areas.

Health and essential services are also being prioritised. The Chief District Medical Officer (CDMO) has been asked to ensure sufficient availability of medicines and medical personnel. The Civil Supplies Officer has been directed to maintain adequate stocks of food and other essentials.

The Water Resources Department has intensified monitoring efforts. “At Rajghat, the Subarnarekha crossed the danger level of 10.36 metres, reaching 11.40 metres. The level is now gradually declining,” said Engineer-in-Chief Chandra Sekhar Padhi.

The Superintending Engineer (Irrigation) is overseeing real-time monitoring of the river and coordination with Jharkhand authorities on the operation of the Chandil Dam gates.

In view of the emergency, all government employees’ leave has been cancelled. Officials have also been restricted from leaving their headquarters without prior approval.

Relief camps have been established in multiple areas to shelter displaced residents. District officials are working closely with panchayats and local bodies to manage the ongoing crisis and provide assistance to affected families.