Tragic Floods in Balasore: One Life Lost as Villages Remain Underwater

Severe Flooding in Balasore District

In Balasore, Odisha, a tragic incident occurred as one individual lost their life due to flooding, which has left over 50 villages submerged, according to local officials on Sunday.

The flash floods have impacted more than 50,000 residents across four blocks in the district.

Maheswar Pila, a 24-year-old from Kulha village in the Baliapal block, was reported missing after being swept away by the floodwaters on Saturday.

Rescue teams from the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) located his body during a search operation on Sunday and subsequently returned it to his family following a postmortem.

The flooding has affected at least four blocks: Baliapal, Bhograi, Basta, and Jaleswar.

Fortunately, officials are optimistic that conditions will improve as the water levels of the Subarnarekha River are beginning to drop.

However, floodwaters have already inundated villages and agricultural lands, and recovery may take approximately four to five days, according to reports.

The state government has mobilized boats and teams from the Fire Service, Odisha Disaster Rapid Action Force (ODRAF), and NDRF to assist with rescue and relief efforts.

Currently, boats are the sole means of transportation as village roads are submerged, an official noted.

Many residents from the affected areas have relocated to higher ground along river embankments, seeking shelter under makeshift polythene coverings.

The Balasore Collector and District Magistrate announced on social media that drinking water is being supplied to those affected via tankers and bottled water.

ASHA workers are actively distributing Oral Rehydration Salts (ORS) and halogen tablets in over 50 villages that remain cut off by the floods.

Balasore MP Pratap Sarangi accused the authorities at Chandil Dam in Jharkhand of releasing excess water without prior notification to Odisha, labeling it as 'criminal misconduct.'

In response to the crisis, the opposition Congress party has established a committee to oversee relief efforts and the distribution of aid to those impacted in the Bhogarai, Baliapal, and Jaleswar regions.