Odisha Flood Situation: Six Districts Reel Under Rising Water Levels

Odisha Flood Situation remained grim across six districts on Wednesday, with water levels in several rivers continuing to rise despite no heavy rainfall being recorded in the region over the previous 24 hours, officials said.

The worsening situation has affected Balasore, Bhadrak, Jajpur, Kendrapara, Mayurbhanj and Keonjhar, where authorities have stepped up relief and rescue operations. More than 3.5 lakh people have been evacuated to safer locations as floodwaters inundated several areas.

Subarnarekha Crosses Danger Mark in Balasore

The Odisha Flood Situation has particularly affected Balasore district, where the Subarnarekha river crossed its danger mark at Rajghat in Jaleswar.

Officials said heavy rainfall in the upper catchment areas of the Subarnarekha in neighbouring Jharkhand pushed up the river's water level.

The river crossed the danger mark of 10.36 metres, reaching 10.40 metres at 9 am.

As a result, floodwaters entered three blocks of Balasore district — Jaleswar, Basta and Baliapal.

Jalaka River Also Above Danger Level

The Jalaka river has also crossed its danger mark at Mathani in Basta.

The danger level of the river is 6.5 metres, while its water level was recorded at 6.60 metres at 6 am, officials said.

The Budhabalanga river was also flowing above its warning level. It was recorded at 7.26 metres at Govindpur, adding to concerns over the flood situation in the district.

With several areas affected by inundation, the Balasore administration has intensified relief and rescue operations.

Flood Situation Worsens in Bhadrak and Jajpur

Neighbouring Bhadrak and Jajpur districts have also been affected by rising river levels.

The Salandi river was flowing at 17.10 metres at Rajghat, above its danger mark of 17 metres.

The Baitarani river at Akhuapada was also above the danger level. It was flowing at 18.65 metres, compared with its danger mark of 18.33 metres, according to sources in the Water Resources Department.

The rising water levels have increased the pressure on local administrations as they continue monitoring vulnerable areas and coordinating relief measures.

Over 300 Students Stranded at Kendrapara School

A major rescue operation was launched in Kendrapara district after floodwaters from the Brahmani river inundated parts of the area.

More than 300 students were stranded at a residential school in the Kulasahi area.

According to a senior official, the students had been moved to the second and third floors of the school building after floodwaters entered their hostels.

ODRAF Uses Power Boats for Rescue

The Odisha Disaster Rapid Action Force (ODRAF) has deployed five power boats to evacuate the stranded students.

Each boat has the capacity to carry around 50 students, officials said.

The rescue operation is being carried out as authorities work to move the students to safer locations.

The situation at the residential school has become one of the key rescue operations amid the ongoing Odisha Flood Situation.

More Than 3.5 Lakh People Evacuated

Officials said the second spell of flooding has affected large numbers of people across six districts.

The affected districts include:

Balasore
Bhadrak
Jajpur
Kendrapara
Mayurbhanj
Keonjhar

More than 3.5 lakh residents have been evacuated to safety as authorities respond to the rising water levels.

District administrations have been conducting relief and rescue operations in vulnerable areas and monitoring river levels closely.

No Heavy Rainfall Warning Till August 21

Despite the worsening flood situation, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) has not issued a warning for heavy rainfall in the region for the three days up to August 21.

The current rise in river levels is therefore being closely monitored, particularly in areas downstream of rivers receiving increased water from upper catchments.

Authorities remain alert as floodwaters continue to affect several districts.

Rescue and Relief Operations Intensified

The continuing Odisha Flood Situation has prompted administrations across the affected districts to strengthen rescue and relief measures.

The focus remains on evacuating people from vulnerable areas, providing assistance to displaced residents and ensuring the safety of those stranded by floodwaters.

The rescue of students from the residential school in Kendrapara is among the major operations currently underway.

River Levels Remain a Key Concern

With several rivers flowing above danger marks, officials are closely monitoring water levels and conditions in low-lying areas.

The Subarnarekha, Jalaka, Salandi and Baitarani are among the rivers that have crossed their respective danger levels at various monitoring points.

The Budhabalanga is also flowing above its warning level.

The Odisha Flood Situation remains serious across six districts, with rising river levels causing inundation even though no heavy rainfall was recorded in the region during the previous 24 hours.

Balasore has witnessed significant flooding after the Subarnarekha crossed its danger mark, while Bhadrak, Jajpur and Kendrapara are also facing the impact of rising rivers.

More than 3.5 lakh people have been evacuated, while rescue teams, including ODRAF personnel, are working to assist those stranded in flood-affected areas.

With the IMD not forecasting heavy rainfall through August 21, authorities are continuing to monitor river levels and maintain rescue and relief operations across the affected districts.