Odisha CM Majhi describes Balasore floods as grim, promises swift relief efforts

Bhubaneswar, Sept 18: Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi on Wednesday described the flood situation in Balasore as dire, highlighting that all possible measures are being implemented for swift relief and rescue operations. Following an aerial survey, Majhi noted that several parts of Balasore district remain submerged due to recent heavy rainfall.

Majhi reported that more than 8,000 hectares in six blocks are under water, and 35 gram panchayats across three blocks have been affected by the flooding. The district administration has evacuated approximately 2,000 residents from low-lying areas and is providing them with cooked food and essential supplies.

To aid in rescue efforts, eight Fire Service teams, three ODRAF teams, and one NDRF team have been deployed to isolated villages still cut off from other areas. Majhi assured that the state government is taking measures to manage the swollen Subarnarekha river and has instructed the Water Resources department to develop a plan for a permanent solution. Further steps will be taken based on their report.

Heavy rains caused by a deep depression over the past four days have worsened the flood conditions, with rising water levels in the Subarnarekha, Budhabalang, and Jalaka rivers. On Tuesday evening, the Subarnarekha river was at 10.70 meters, surpassing the danger level of 10.36 meters. The Central Water Commission has projected that it might exceed 10.95 meters, potentially leading to severe flooding in Basta, Bhogarai, and Baliapal blocks.

Floodwaters from the Budhabalanga and Jalaka rivers have also inundated villages in these blocks due to slow drainage into the sea. Officials reported that over 250 villages have been flooded by the Subarnarekha, with more than 400 people evacuated from low-lying areas in Bhograi, Jaleswar, Basta, Baliapal, and Sadar blocks. Preliminary assessments indicate that 264 villages across 56 gram panchayats and 17 wards in Jaleswar municipality have been impacted.