Baleswar: Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi conducted an aerial survey of the flood-affected areas of Baleswar district on Wednesday. The flood situation in Balasore remains critical, with all possible measures being taken to accelerate relief and rescue operations, stated Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Majhi after an aerial survey of the affected regions.
Majhi also said that parts of the Balasore district are suffering from floods due to heavy rains over the last two to three days. “I have reviewed the situation today. Six blocks and 8,000 hectares are underwater. Additionally, 35 gram panchayats across three blocks are impacted by the floods,” CM Majhi remarked.
He also mentioned that the district administration has relocated 2,000 individuals from flood-prone areas, providing them with cooked meals. Eight Fire Service teams, three ODRAF teams, and one NDRF team are operating in the isolated villages. “The Odisha government is working on flood control measures for the Subarnarekha river. The EIC has been instructed to devise a permanent solution plan, and the government will act upon receiving this report,” added the CM.
The heavy rainfall, induced by a Deep Depression over the last four days, has worsened the flood conditions in the district, with water levels of the Subarnarekha, Budhabalang, and Jalaka rivers rising continuously. The Subarnarekha River’s level was at 10.70 meters last night, surpassing the danger mark of 10.36 meters. The Central Water Commission has warned of a severe flood in Subarnarekha, predicting it might exceed the 10.95-meter mark, its highest recorded level, leading to severe flooding in the Basta, Bhograi, and Baliapal blocks.
The Budhabalanga and Jalaka rivers have also caused flooding in several villages within these blocks due to their slow outflow into the sea. Officials have reported that the Subarnarekha River has inundated over 250 villages and more than 400 individuals have been evacuated from vulnerable areas in Bhograi, Jaleswar, Basta, and Baliapal.
