Balasore (Odisha), June 21, 2025 — More than 50,000 residents in Odisha’s Balasore district have been affected by flash floods after the Subarnarekha River breached danger levels on Friday, inundating at least 17 panchayats across Bhograi, Baliapal, Basta, and Jaleswar regions.
Officials linked the sudden flooding to heavy rainfall upstream and a sharp water release from Jharkhand’s Chandil Dam. Water levels at the Rajghat station reached a critical 11.9 metres, significantly above the danger mark of 10.36 metres, although the level has now begun to recede.
Collector Suryawanshi Mayur Vikas directed an immediate response, deploying block officers and tehsildars to oversee relief work and canceling leave for field staff. Rescue and rehabilitation efforts are in full swing. Residents have been urged to relocate to nearby cyclone shelters, while boats are being used to evacuate people and livestock from submerged villages.
While no casualties have been reported so far, damage to standing crops and village infrastructure is under assessment. Medical teams, dry rations, and rescue personnel are on standby as the Odisha government maintains round-the-clock monitoring.
The district administration, supported by the state’s Disaster Response Force and irrigation engineers, is coordinating efforts to stabilize the situation and prevent further damage.
