Odisha: Flood Situation Worsens in Balasore as Budhabalanga, Jalaka Overflow

Bhubaneswar: Flood conditions worsened in Odisha's Balasore district on Wednesday as the Budhabalanga and Jalaka rivers breached their danger levels, inundating low-lying areas, marooning several villages and disrupting road connectivity across the district.

Large parts of Balasore Sadar and Remuna blocks have been submerged after floodwaters entered villages and agricultural land, forcing residents to grapple with rising water levels. The district administration has sounded a high alert as both rivers continue to swell.

Road communication has been severely affected in several areas. One of the worst-hit stretches is the main road connecting Balasore town with the National Highway via Phuladi, where nearly four feet of water is flowing over the carriageway, bringing vehicular traffic to a standstill.

Floodwaters have also cut off connectivity near Gujuri Bazaar beyond Balighat, isolating several nearby villages and complicating relief and emergency response efforts.

According to official data, the Budhabalanga River has risen to 8.66 metres, well above its danger level of 8.13 metres. Authorities are closely monitoring the river as water levels continue to rise.

The Jalaka River at Mathani in Basta block has also crossed its danger mark. The river was flowing at 6.51 metres against the danger level of 6.50 metres, raising concerns over further inundation in downstream areas.

District officials said they are keeping a close watch on vulnerable embankments, low-lying habitations and critical road links. Emergency response teams have been placed on alert as authorities prepare for possible evacuations if water levels continue to rise.

According to reports, the administration was monitoring the evolving situation round the clock as flooding threatens to further disrupt normal life in Balasore district.