Subarnarekha river crosses danger mark in Odisha’s Balasore, flood alert issued; ODRAF teams on standby, officials on 24-hour watch

BHUBANESWAR: The Subarnarekha river crossed the danger mark at Rajghat in Balasore district on Thursday, prompting the administration to issue a flood alert for low-lying areas in the region.

Officials reported distress in several villages, including Baunsakhana and Matikhana, while areas in Baliapal, Bhogarai, and Jaleswar blocks have been partially affected. Authorities said the river's level remained constant at 11.40 metres between 2am and 5am, before slightly receding to 11.09 metres by 11am. The danger level at Rajghat is pegged at 10.36 metres. The Balasore district administration has directed officials in Jaleswar, Bhogarai, Basta, and Baliapal blocks to remain on 24-hour alert and cancel all leaves.

Preparations are underway for possible evacuation to relief shelters, and stockpiling of essential supplies has been ordered. So far, 53 residents from the Jaleswar Municipality area were evacuated as a precautionary measure, though they have since returned home. No major evacuation has been reported from Baliapal or Kamarda, where only partial inundation has occurred. Two teams of the Odisha Disaster Rapid Action Force (ODRAF) have been deployed in Balasore — one each at Bhogarai and Baliapal.

Two additional teams are stationed in Mayurbhanj district at Nedam/Jharpokharia and Tikayatpur/Rasgovindpur. DIG Eastern Range Dr Satyajit Naik has asked all SPs to ensure wireless (VHF) communication systems are fully functional and to verify the availability and locations of operational rescue boats. He remains in constant coordination with the SPs and Collectors of Balasore, Mayurbhanj, and Bhadrak districts to monitor the evolving flood situation.