50,000 People In Odisha's Balasore Affected By Subarnarekha River Flash Flood

Last Updated:June 21, 2025, 17:20 IST

The incident followed heavy rainfall in neighbouring Jharkhand, triggered by the sudden release of water from the Chandil Dam

The flash flood affected 17 gram panchayat areas spread across the blocks of Bhograi, Baliapal, and Basta, as well as part of the Jaleswar Notified Area Council (NAC). (Representational pic: PTI)

A sudden and intense flash flood in the Subarnarekha River severely impacted over 50,000 people in Odisha’s Balasore district on Saturday. The rapid rise in water levels and subsequent inundation of villages followed heavy rainfall in neighbouring Jharkhand, triggered by the sudden release of water from the Chandil Dam.

The flash flood affected 17 gram panchayat areas spread across the blocks of Bhograi, Baliapal, and Basta, as well as part of the Jaleswar Notified Area Council (NAC). Residents in low-lying and flood-prone areas were advised to stay alert and be ready to evacuate to nearby cyclone shelters if the situation deteriorated. Villages such as Khalabadia, Kulha, and Baunskhana in Bhograi, and Kudamansingh, Chaudhurykud, and Baliapal reported floodwaters up to four feet deep, halting vehicular movement and isolating entire panchayats. Many locals suffered significant agricultural losses, with standing crops submerged and vast farmlands damaged.

Balasore district collector Suryawanshi Mayur Vikas swiftly responded to the crisis by issuing directives to block development officers (BDOs) and tehsildars, instructing them to be fully prepared for evacuation operations if necessary. Officials were tasked with continuously monitoring the situation and providing immediate assistance to those affected by the flash flood. Efforts were made to distribute dry food items among the displaced population, and the chief district medical officer (CDMO) was directed to ensure adequate stocks of essential medicines and maintain robust healthcare arrangements.

Further measures included instructing the superintending engineer (irrigation) to conduct a thorough check of all gates of Chandil Dam and maintain round-the-clock monitoring of water levels. The civil supplies officer (CSO) was also directed to confirm the readiness and adequacy of food and essential supplies for the affected regions. To ensure full preparedness and responsiveness, all staff leaves were cancelled until further notice, and a strict directive was issued prohibiting government officials from leaving their headquarters without prior permission.

Although the water level of the Subarnarekha at Rajghat was reported to be receding, it remained significantly above the danger mark. District Emergency Office sources noted the water level was at 11.9 metres against the danger mark of 10.36 metres. Officials expressed hope for further recession, citing less rainfall in the upper catchment area of the river in Jharkhand, and reassured that there was no immediate threat of a medium or major flood in the Subarnarekha River system.

(With PTI inputs)

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