Balasore/Baripada: More than 50,000 people were affected as Subarnarekha River water inundated several villages in Odisha’s Balasore district on Saturday following a flash flood triggered by heavy rain in neighbouring Jharkhand.
Officials said at least 17 gram panchayat areas in the three blocks of Bhograi, Baliapal, Basta and a part of Jaleswar Notified Area Council (NAC) were affected by the flash flood. The district administration has geared up for the relief and rescue operations.
As per sources, the water level in Subarnarekha River has gone beyond the danger level near Rajghat in Jaleswar block following continuous heavy rainfall in the upper catchment areas.
Due to the overflowing river, floodwaters have already entered the villages of Khalabadia, Kulha, and Baunskhana in Bhogarai block; and Kudamansingh, Chaudhurykud, and Baliapal villages in Baliapal block. Floodwaters are reportedly flowing up to four feet above some roads, hampering vehicular movement and isolating parts of the region.
Residents living in low-lying and flood-prone areas were advised to stay alert and be prepared to shift to nearby cyclone shelters if the situation deteriorates, he said.
Balasore District Collector Suryawanshi Mayur Vikas instructed the block development officers (BDOs) and tehsildars to remain prepared to evacuate the people if required.
In view of the flood situation, the district administration has cancelled all leaves sanctioned to government employees to ensure round-the-clock response and effective disaster management.
The Collector has directed all government officials currently on leave to report back to duty without delay. An order has been issued for immediate resumption of work by the staff, especially those associated with relief, rescue, and essential services.
Government officers have also been directed to refrain from leaving their headquarters under any circumstances.
The officials have been asked to keep a watch on the situation and help people affected by the flash flood. The BDOs were also asked to undertake the distribution of dry food items among the affected people, the official said.
The chief district medical officer (CDMO) was directed to keep adequate stocks of essential medicines and ensure healthcare arrangements were in place.
The superintending engineer (irrigation) was asked to conduct a thorough check of all gates of Chandil Dam and maintain round-the-clock monitoring of water levels, taking all necessary precautionary measures.
The civil supplies officer (CSO) was asked to confirm the readiness and adequacy of food and essential supplies. All staffers’ leaves were cancelled until further notice, and a strict directive was issued prohibiting government officials from leaving headquarters without prior permission, the official said.
District Emergency Office sources said that though the water level of Subarnarekha at Rajghat was receding, it still remained at 11.9 metres against the danger mark of 10.36 metres.
“We hope the water level will recede further as there has not been much rainfall in the upper catchment of the river in Jharkhand,” the official said, adding that there is no threat of any medium or major flood in the Subarnarekha River system.
The district administration has also made people aware of the situation.
It said that the flash flood was experienced in some parts of Balasore district due to a sudden release of water from Chandil Dam in Jharkhand.
Farmers are staring at heavy losses as vast tracts of paddy and vegetable cultivation lie submerged.
The situation has been exacerbated by the release of excess water from the Galudih barrage in Jharkhand due to incessant rainfall upstream. The sudden inflow has intensified the flooding scenario in downstream Odisha.
“All our houses are submerged after floodwater entered the village last night. We are shifting our belongings and livestock to safety using country-made boats,” said a local resident.
“Around five villages are now cut-off from rest parts of the state. The waterlevel has risen, leading to flood-like situation here. There is a problem of drinking water and other food articles. The villagers here are facing a lot of difficulties. We have not got any assistance from the local administration,” said another villager.
Meanwhile, authorities are on high alert. In Chaudhurykud village of Baliapal block, where the river embankment has been identified as weak, emergency repair work is underway. Sandbags are being deployed in a war-footing manner to reinforce the vulnerable stretch and prevent a possible breach.
The district administration is closely monitoring the situation and is preparing for possible evacuation of affected residents if the water level continues to rise. Relief teams are also being mobilized to provide assistance in the worst-hit areas.
Apart from Balasore, fear of flood also loomed large in Mayurbhanj district. Residents of low-lying areas in Neda in Sarashkana area of Mayurbhanj are living in fear as the water level in Subarnarekha continued to rise due to incessant rains in the river’s upper catchment areas in Jharkhand over the past 72 hours.
Sources said heavy rainfall at various places including Fekaghat, Ghatshila, Jamshedpur and Jamsholaghat in Jharkhand led to increased inflow of water into Galudihi barrage in the neighbouring state.
In view of the rising water level, the Jharkhand administration opened eight gates of the barrage on Thursday. As a result, around 2.70 lakh cusec of water was released into Subarnarekha River.
