Balasore Battles Raging Floods: Over 30,000 Evacuated as Rivers Swell Across Odisha

Balasore district in Odisha is battling a severe flood crisis, with over 30,000 people evacuated to safer locations as torrential rains, triggered by a deep depression over the Bay of Bengal, have pushed major rivers past their danger mark. Rescue operations have been ramped up significantly, involving teams from the Odisha Disaster Rapid Action Force (ODRAF), National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), and local Fire Services working tirelessly to help stranded residents. The flood has severely impacted homes, roads, and farmlands, disrupting daily life for tens of thousands. Across North Odisha, the situation remains critical, affecting more than 2 lakh people in six districts, including Bhadrak and Jajpur, where rivers like Budhabalanga, Jalaka, and Baitarani are in spate. The administration, led by Balasore Collector Mayur Suryawanshi and overseen by Revenue and Disaster Management Minister Suresh Pujari and Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi, has set up numerous relief centers providing cooked meals and dry rations, alongside deploying medical and veterinary teams. Roads are cut off, power and telecom services are disrupted in many areas, and schools in 10 districts have been closed to ensure safety. While water levels in some Balasore rivers have started to recede, allowing some residents to return, the India Meteorological Department has warned of continued heavy rainfall, keeping the region on high alert. A fresh flood threat is emerging for the Mahanadi river system, with officials closely monitoring its rising water levels and the Hirakud Dam. The focus now is on sustained relief efforts, damage assessment, and ensuring quick assistance to affected families, as authorities prepare for any further escalation.