Baleswar, Sept. 26 (UDN): Floodwaters have intensified across Odisha’s Baleswar district as the Subarnarekha and Jalaka rivers continue to flow above their danger levels, leaving more than 154 villages across 38 gram panchayats inundated.
The latest flood situation was triggered after water was released from Galudih Dam in neighbouring Jharkhand, marking the fourth flood in the Subarnarekha river this season.
According to official reports, the Subarnarekha crossed its danger mark of 9.45 metres, with the water level rising from 10.16 metres at 6 am to 10.18 metres by 7 am. The situation has worsened as high tide in the Bay of Bengal is slowing the river’s discharge into the sea, causing floodwaters to accumulate in low-lying areas.
The worst-hit areas include Bhograi, Baliapal, Jaleswar and Basta blocks. Fifteen panchayats in Bhograi, nine in Baliapal, eight in Jaleswar and six in Basta have been severely affected, with several villages remaining cut off due to submerged roads and overflowing river channels.
In Baliapal block, villages such as Asti, Bishnupur, Madhupura and Jamukunda have been isolated by floodwaters. At Choudhurikuda, nearly three feet of water has been flowing over a village road, disrupting transportation and daily life.
Heavy rainfall in Basta has further aggravated the situation, affecting 10 panchayats in the block and another five panchayats in Baleswar Sadar as water levels continue to rise.
Meanwhile, the Jalaka river has also breached its danger level. At Mathani, where the danger mark is 6.50 metres, the river was recorded at 6.78 metres early Saturday morning.
Officials attributed the worsening flood situation to continuous rainfall caused by a low-pressure system over the upper catchment areas of Rasgovindpur, Suliapada, Morada and Chitrada in Mayurbhanj district, which has significantly increased inflows into the river system.
The district administration has stepped up monitoring of vulnerable areas and is keeping rescue and relief teams on alert as authorities closely track the evolving flood situation.