Heavy Rain Triggers Flood Fears Across Odisha, Rescue Operations Intensify

Heavy rainfall continues across Odisha, particularly in the northern districts, causing rivers to swell and disrupting normal life. Balasore, Bhadrak, Jajpur and Keonjhar are among the worst-affected districts, with flood conditions deteriorating in several areas.

Rivers Swell, Roads Disrupted

The water level of the Baitarani River has risen at Bhimkund in Keonjhar. Landslides and falling rocks at Jodiya Ghat have also disrupted road communication.

In Jajpur’s Dasarathpur block, the embankment of the Kani River near Tarpada panchayat has weakened and partially collapsed. Authorities are carrying out repairs on a war footing.

In Bhadrak, the Baitarani and Salandi rivers are flowing above danger levels near Akhuapada. Several areas of Bhandaripokhari and Dhamnagar blocks have been inundated. Floodwater flowing over roads has disrupted communication to the famous Akhandalamani shrine. With Shravan Monday being observed, devotees and locals have been risking their lives while crossing waterlogged stretches.

Homes and Farmlands Submerged

In Basta of Balasore district, the water level of the Jalaka River has started receding slowly, but the situation remains difficult. Water has entered around 100 houses in Basichkurai panchayat, leaving families unable to cook. Large areas of farmland have also been damaged.

The Panchalingeswar shrine remains closed after heavy water flow from Devgiri hills. Four priests and staff members are reportedly stranded there.

Students Rescued

In Kendrapara district, floodwater surrounded an Ashram School in Penthapal panchayat. Firefighters safely rescued around 300 students trapped inside the hostel.

Flood conditions have also affected western and central Odisha. Seventeen families in Ghatposh village of Sundargarh’s Bonai block have taken shelter on roads after being surrounded by water from the Rukuda Dam.

Meanwhile, more than 60 cattle stranded on an island in the Brahmani River in Dhenkanal’s Kamakhyanagar area were rescued.

Rescue and relief operations are continuing across the state amid the persistent rainfall.