Flash flood in Balasore inundates 61 villages, leaving over 50,000 affected

A sudden flash flood in Odisha’s Balasore district has disrupted the lives of more than 50,000 residents, submerging 61 villages across four blocks as the Subarnarekha River surged past the danger mark.

Triggered by heavy rainfall upstream in Jharkhand and the rapid release of water from Chandil Dam, the river reached around 11.9 m—well above the danger threshold of 10.36 m—heavily affecting Baliapal, Basta, Bhograi, and Jaleswar.

Villagers were forced to flee in the dead of night, seeking refuge on roadsides, bus stands, cyclone shelters, and embankments. Some, like those in Jamakunda panchayat, spent the night fearing snakes and rising water.

A youth from Bishnupur panchayat is reported missing after being swept away.

Authorities have launched robust rescue efforts: Fire Service, Odisha Disaster Rapid Action Force (ODRAF), and National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) teams have been deployed along with boats to evacuate marooned residents.

Collector Suryawanshi Mayur Vikas instructed BDOs to distribute dry rations, set up free kitchens, and prepare cyclone shelters in affected areas.

Health workers have provided ORS and halogen tablets, along with essential medicines via ASHA and PHC teams.

The irrigation department continues round-the-clock monitoring of dam gates and river levels.

With water levels receding slightly to 9.94 m on June 22 morning, officials expect improvement in the coming days. However, recovery could take four to five days, say authorities.