Flash Floods Wreak Havoc in Balasore District, Over 50,000 Affected
 Severe flooding triggered by a sudden surge in the Subarnarekha River has disrupted normal life across Balasore district in Odisha, impacting over 50,000 residents, according to local administration sources. The flash flood, fuelled by torrential rains in neighbouring Jharkhand, has inundated dozens of villages, particularly affecting low-lying areas across the blocks of Bhograi, Baliapal, Basta, and parts of the Jaleswar Notified Area Council.
Speaking from a relief coordination centre, a senior district official confirmed that floodwaters have entered 17 gram panchayats, forcing many villagers to seek shelter in government-run cyclone relief centres. Relief and rescue operations are in full swing, with teams working round-the-clock to evacuate stranded families and distribute dry rations.
Authorities on Alert as Risk of Further Inundation Remains
Balasore District Collector Suryawanshi Mayur Vikas has directed all block development officers (BDOs) and tehsildars to remain on high alert. &ldquo;We are prepared for emergency evacuations if the water level rises further,&rdquo; he said. Residents in vulnerable and flood-prone zones have been urged to stay vigilant and keep essential belongings ready for possible relocation.
Medical Services and Relief Supplies Mobilised
Medical preparedness has also been stepped up. The Chief District Medical Officer has ensured that emergency medical kits are being stocked and made available at key relief points. &ldquo;We&rsquo;re ensuring that basic health services and medicines reach the affected,&rdquo; the official said.
Meanwhile, the Civil Supplies Department has mobilised food grains, dry items, and drinking water supplies to meet the immediate needs of displaced populations. Relief officials are coordinating logistics to avoid delays in distribution.
Water Levels Begin to Recede but Caution Persists
According to the District Emergency Office, water levels at Rajghat have begun to show signs of receding, though they remain precariously above the danger mark. The flooding was primarily triggered by the sudden discharge of water from Chandil Dam in Jharkhand. Engineers from the Irrigation Department are monitoring the dam&rsquo;s outflows and the river&rsquo;s level around the clock.
&ldquo;There has been no significant rainfall in Jharkhand's upper catchment in the past 24 hours, which gives us hope for stabilisation,&rdquo; a senior irrigation official said.
Authorities continue to assess damage and monitor developments closely, as the region braces for the aftermath of one of the season's most disruptive flash floods.

floods in across Balasore district in Odisha

Subarnarekha River flooding impacts 50,000 people; relief ops underway in Balasore

Flash Floods Hit Odisha’s Balasore District

Subarnarekha River flooding impacts 50,000 people; relief ops underway in Balasore

June 21, 2025 | 21:52 IST