Jalaka River Breaches Danger Mark, Floods Hit Baleshwar

Balasore district in Odisha is reeling under flood conditions after relentless rainfall pushed the Jalaka River above the danger level.

At 6.56 metres, the river breached its threshold of 6.5 metres, causing widespread inundation in Basta and Sadar blocks.

Hundreds of hectares of farmland are submerged, threatening crops and livelihoods.

The heavy inflow from catchment areas such as Rasgovindpur, Morada, Shuliapada, and Chitrapada has worsened the situation.

Balasore town is facing severe waterlogging, with major roads and junctions including Remuna Road, Ajimabada Chhak, Sahadev Khunta–Nua Sahi Road, and Tamulia Bridge disrupted.

Traffic movement has been crippled, and residents are struggling with accessibility.

The district administration has initiated drainage operations, while fire services remain on standby for emergency evacuations.

Rainfall records show Balasore received 405 mm on July 26, 354 mm on July 27, and 173.1 mm on July 28, with 204 mm in the town area alone.

Authorities continue to monitor the Jalaka River closely, warning that further rainfall could worsen flooding in low‑lying areas.