Severe Flooding Strikes Baliapal: Thousands Affected as Subarnarekha River Swells

Flood Crisis in Baliapal Block

In Baliapal block, located in Balasore district, approximately 17,000 residents across 25 villages are grappling with severe flooding from the Subarnarekha River, marking the third flood event this season. The initial two floods resulted in two fatalities.

Persistent rainfall, driven by a low-pressure system in the upper catchment areas, has caused the river's water levels to rise steadily over the past three days. At Rajghat, the danger threshold for the Subarnarekha is set at 10.36 meters, while the warning level is at 9.45 meters.

By 4 PM on Wednesday, the water level had already exceeded the warning mark, reaching 10.05 meters. If the rains continue and the water rises above the danger level, it could inundate additional villages, potentially impacting over 30,000 people. Low-lying regions in Baliapal have already been submerged due to pressure on the river embankment.

The flooding situation has worsened due to continuous rainfall in the upper regions and the release of water from the Galudih dam in Jharkhand. Several villages in low-lying areas, including Bishnupur, Nayabali, Ikadpal, and others, have been severely affected.

Floodwaters have invaded homes and agricultural fields, disrupting daily life. In Talbaliapal, water is reported to be three feet deep on the Bishnupur-Baliapal road, isolating numerous villages. The villages of Pancharukhi and Chaudharikuda in Keonjhar district are completely cut off, with floodwaters rising two to three feet over the connecting road. Residents have been seen navigating through the floodwaters to obtain essential supplies, facing distress as boat services were halted due to a petrol shortage.

The region's vulnerability to flooding was tragically highlighted in 2015 when two young men from Chaudharikud drowned. Following this incident, the local MLA promised the construction of a rural bridge, but a decade later, this promise remains unfulfilled.

The current flooding has been linked to a breached embankment of the Subarnarekha River near Kudumansingh, with knee-deep water flowing on the road connecting Baliapal and Panchrukhi to Chaudharikud.

In a related incident, a fisherman from Bishnupur lost his life after being swept away by the river's current. Despite the recurring floods, villagers continue to risk their lives by entering the dangerous waters, as authorities have yet to implement a lasting solution.