A devastating flood has wreaked havoc in Bhanjanagar town and its surrounding areas in Odisha’s Ganjam district after water from the Daha Dam reportedly surged into the Loharakhandi River, triggering massive flooding across the subdivision. Homes, agricultural fields, vehicles and household belongings have been swept away, leaving thousands of residents struggling to rebuild their lives.
The sudden influx of floodwater, reportedly without prior warning to local residents, caused the Loharakhandi River to swell dramatically. Several low-lying areas of Bhanjanagar town and hundreds of nearby villages have suffered extensive damage, with many localities submerged and families left homeless.
Bhanjanagar Town Underwater
Visuals emerging from Baunsalundi in Bhanjanagar town reveal the devastating scale of the disaster. A petrol pump has reportedly been severely damaged, while large vehicles have been swept away by the powerful current.
The premises of Satyasai Seva Sadan School have also been inundated, with floodwater entering its corridors and classrooms, leaving the educational institution submerged.
Several localities, including Shankhasahi, Raghunath Vihar, Mediri Sahi, Ward No. 5 and Ward No. 15, have been severely affected. Low-lying areas remain inundated, causing widespread disruption to normal life.
More Than 15 Families Rendered Homeless in Kodanda
The flood has caused extensive destruction in Kodanda Mashani Sahi, where more than 15 families have reportedly lost their homes and belongings.
The force of the water was so intense that household appliances were swept away. A refrigerator was found lying nearly 50 feet away from its original location in the middle of a lane.
Residents alleged that relief and assistance did not reach them for a prolonged period, prompting them to block the road in protest. When an NDRF vehicle arrived at the spot, some residents stopped it to express their anger over the delay in assistance. The situation eventually calmed down after the NDRF team appealed to the protesters.
The floodwaters also damaged roads, tearing up stretches of asphalt and leaving behind large craters.
Villagers Struggle to Recover From Flood Damage
In Dhudhua village, residents are facing severe hardship after floodwaters receded, leaving houses filled with mud and damaged belongings. Sacks of rice and paddy stored inside homes have been soaked and rendered unusable.
Residents are struggling to clean their damaged houses while standing in knee-deep mud and slush.
The situation is similarly distressing in Kaithapalli village, where water continues to accumulate outside houses. Moong beans and rice stored beneath damaged roofs have become soaked, with some of the grains beginning to sprout, raising concerns about food shortages among affected families.
Crops Destroyed, Villages Cut Off
Binjagiri village remains surrounded by floodwater, with knee-deep water flowing over roads. Hundreds of acres of agricultural land have reportedly suffered extensive crop damage, dealing a major blow to farmers.
Several other villages, including Inginathi, Ustapalli, Gambharigochha, Sankodanda, Rajakund, Badakodanda, Jogimari, Amjhola, Nandiapalli, Jamundi, Malsahi, Derasahi and Chadheyapalli, have also experienced widespread flooding and destruction.
The devastation has been particularly severe in Bahadapadar village, where the houses of five families have reportedly been completely washed away by the powerful current. According to local accounts, little remains of the homes except a picture of Lord Hanuman that survived the destruction.
Meanwhile, a massive breach measuring more than 100 feet has reportedly developed in the Gurabadi area, cutting off the locality from the outside world and creating further difficulties for residents.
Relief and Rehabilitation Remain Major Concerns
The flooding has left numerous families without shelter, food supplies or essential household belongings. With agricultural losses adding to the crisis, residents face an uncertain future.
The disaster has highlighted the urgent need for relief materials, safe drinking water, food supplies, temporary shelters and rehabilitation support for affected families.
As residents struggle to recover from the devastation, restoring connectivity to isolated villages and assessing the full extent of damage remain critical challenges.
For thousands of people in the Bhanjanagar subdivision, the immediate priority is survival. Families who have lost their homes and livelihoods now face the daunting task of rebuilding their lives from scratch.