Crocodiles Spotted On Submerged Village Roads In Odisha’s Kendrapara As Brahmani Floodwaters Inundate Habitations

Bhubaneswar: Swarms of crocodiles were spotted navigating through submerged village roads in Odisha’s Kendrapara district on Thursday and Friday, as floodwaters from the Brahmani and Kani rivers breached embankments and entered human settlements under Pattamundai block and Choudakulat area.

The sudden intrusion of floodwaters has inundated roads, homes, and farmlands, heightening public distress. However, it is the emergence of crocodiles in residential zones that has sparked widespread panic among locals. Fearful of potential attacks, residents are refraining from stepping out—especially during night hours.

“The floodwaters have not only washed into our homes and agricultural fields, but they have also brought crocodiles right to our doorsteps. We have seen dozens of them roaming freely. Every year we lose lives to crocodile attacks. It’s time the government acted decisively to protect us,” said Pradip Kumar Nayak, a resident of Choudakulat.

While no crocodile attacks have yet been officially reported, forest officials have issued advisories urging villagers to avoid wading through floodwaters. Awareness drives are being conducted to caution residents about the dangers posed by both crocodiles and venomous snakes that may also be displaced due to the floods.

The district administration is currently engaged in relief operations, providing dry food and clean drinking water to residents in over 30 flood-affected villages.

Meanwhile, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecast the formation of a fresh low-pressure system over the north Bay of Bengal around July 24. As a result, heavy rainfall is expected across several parts of Odisha, particularly in the coastal and northern districts, starting July 23.

Amid this weather forecast, concerns are mounting that the flood situation in Kendrapara may deteriorate further in the coming days.