Bhadrak, Aug. 20 (UDN): Floodwaters may be receding in parts of Odisha, but the crisis is far from over for several families in Bhadrak district’s Basudevpur area, where villages remain waterlogged and residents continue to struggle with basic necessities.

 Representational Image 

For many households, the repeated flooding has turned into a prolonged ordeal. Residents say they have faced four major floods within a month, leaving homes submerged and disrupting normal life.

Water Still Inside Homes

In several affected areas, knee-deep water continues to remain inside houses, making it difficult for residents to cook, move around or carry out daily activities. Although the water level has started to fall, many families remain effectively cut off from the outside world.

The prolonged waterlogging has also created concerns over the presence of snakes and crocodiles in residential areas.

Some residents have reportedly installed nets around their houses as a precaution against reptiles entering their homes.

‘We Are Living in Constant Fear’

Residents said the repeated floods have left them physically and financially exhausted.

“We have faced four major floods in the past month. We are living under the constant threat of crocodiles and snakes. We have put up nets as a precaution to protect ourselves,” a local resident said.

Another resident claimed that affected families were yet to receive adequate assistance and said some people were reluctant to leave their homes for relief centres.

“We cannot leave our homes for months. We have to stay back to protect our houses and belongings,” the resident said.

Relief Challenges Continue

The repeated flooding has caused extensive damage across the affected areas, with residents facing difficulties accessing food, cooking facilities and other essential supplies.

While authorities continue relief and rescue operations in flood-hit parts of the state, residents in the worst-affected pockets say they need sustained support until floodwaters completely recede and normal connectivity is restored.

For families in Basudevpur, the immediate challenge is not only waiting for the water to disappear but also safeguarding their homes and loved ones from the hazards left behind by the prolonged flooding.