Subarnarekha River Floods Northern Baleshwar, Over 2.18 Lakh Affected
Continuous rainfall has caused the Subarnarekha River to swell dangerously, breaching the danger mark at Rajghat with inflows of 6,500 cumecs from Galudihi.
The flood has severely impacted Jaleswar, Baliapal, Bhograi, and Basta blocks in northern Baleshwar, submerging 123 villages and disrupting rural road connectivity under 2–3 feet of water.
Authorities report that more than 2.18 lakh people across seven blocks are affected. Relief operations have shifted nearly 79,842 residents to safer locations, while 75 free kitchens are serving cooked food to over 31,000 people.
Essential supplies, including 1,547 quintals of flattened rice and 159 quintals of jaggery, have been distributed.
Emergency response teams—four NDRF units, four ODRAF squads, 13 fire service teams, and 12 medical groups—are deployed, with boats on standby and embankments under close watch.
Farmers remain anxious as paddy and vegetable crops lie submerged.
Officials urge residents to remain vigilant, cooperate with rescue teams, and follow advisories as the river continues to swell.
