Bhubaneswar: Heavy rain triggered by a deep depression threw life out of gear in northern Odisha on Tuesday as gushing water inundated roads and farmlands, while fear of flood loomed large over the state.
Water levels witnessed sharp rise in several major rivers following incessant downpour. Officials warned of possible floods in rivers such as Baitarani, Jalaka, and Salandi. River water levels continued to rise fast.
Officials said torrential rain has virtually crippled normal life in Keonjhar, Mayurbhanj and Balasore districts amid disruption in road links, submergence of agricultural land, and severe waterlogging in low-lying areas.
A report from Keonjhar said floodwaters flowing through the Chemanda canal have cut off the road connecting Daula and Bairugudi in Banspal block, disrupting communication with several villages.
A major tragedy was averted when a youth of Jantaripada Sahi was swept away while attempting to cross the bridge over the swollen stream on his way to Shuakati. He was rescued by locals, who acted swiftly and risked their lives to pull him to safety.
Sources said the overflowing stream has snapped connectivity to villages including Khuntakata, Parida Sahi, Kasada, Bairugudi and Nuadihi Sahi. Hundreds of residents depend on the route for daily travel, medical emergencies and transportation of essential commodities.
Agriculture was badly hit by incessant rain in Hatadihi block, considered the rice bowl of Keonjhar. Around 161 mm of rainfall has been recorded in the block, leaving large stretches of farmland submerged under nearly five feet of water. Hundreds of acres of paddy seedbeds have reportedly been damaged.
Farmers said they had already sown paddy seedlings three times this season and now fear significant financial losses due to the fresh spell of rain.
In Ghasipura block, heavy rain has worsened the situation along the Shalapada-Sarei road, where more than three feet of water is flowing over the Fapudia streamThe inundated road has disrupted connectivity for over 20 villages, forcing commuters to take a 15-km detour via Anandpur.
The situation is equally grim in Mayurbhanj district which faced a flood situation following heavy to very heavy rainfall across several subdivisions and blocks over the past few days. Similipal Wildlife Sanctuary was also severely affected by torrential rain.
Sources said water levels in the Budhabalanga and Subarnarekha rivers, along with several smaller streams, are increasing steadily, raising concerns among riverside residents. The district administration has stepped up preparedness measures to tackle any potential flood situation.
Residents of several areas in Baripada town are particularly concerned as river levels continue to rise amid the ongoing rain.
According to information, heavy rain triggered severe flooding Udala area, submerging homes and damaging extensive farmland. Continuous rainfall since Monday night created a critical situation in the region. Rainwater flooded several homes in Bausapal village along the Udala-Baleshwar road. Water entered three houses, the local Anganwadi center, and the Subhadra Shakti Gruha.
Similar was the situation in Baleshwar as incessant rain paralysed life in the district. Baleshwar town recorded 246.6 mm of rainfall in the last 24 hours, causing severe waterlogging, flooding in residential areas, and disruption of road traffic.
Locals said more than half of Baleshwar town remained inundated, while rainwater has entered several houses in low-lying areas, and gushing water made commuting difficult.
Major roads across the town remain submerged, bringing vehicular movement to a near standstill and leaving commuters stranded. Several localities, including Nuasahi, Gudipada, Chidia Pol, Ajimabad, and Congress Gali, are witnessing flood-like conditions.
The Fire Service personnel launched rescue operations, evacuating residents from a hotel near Chidia Pol as well as from Telenga Sahi and Postal Colony, where floodwaters entered residential areas.
In the Soro area, the continuous downpour has led to a steady rise in the water level of the Kansabansa River, raising concerns among people living along its banks.
The rainfall has left low-lying areas waterlogged, while many rural roads have turned muddy, disrupting transportation and access to markets. Waterlogging in agricultural fields has also increased concern among farmers over possible crop damage.
Officials said the district administration is closely monitoring the river’s water level and has advised residents in vulnerable riverside villages to remain alert and immediately inform authorities in case of any emergency. Locals fear the situation could worsen if the rain continues.
Heavy rain has also created severe waterlogging in Nilgiri NAC, where rainwater has entered homes in several wards, leaving hundreds of families stranded.
After nearly 12 hours of continuous rainfall, areas including Ghataghara Sahi (Ward 1), Bari Sahi (Ward 5), Baligohiri (Ward 7), Banpur, Upper Kahalia, Station Sahi Chhak (Ward 11), and Oldang remain submerged. Residents in these areas are facing significant hardship as floodwaters continue to surround their homes.
The water level of the Jalaka River, flowing through Basta block in Baleshwar district, has reportedly come close to the danger mark on Tuesday, triggering the first flood of the season in the region.
The danger level of the Jalaka River at Mathani is set at 6.5 metres, while the warning level is 6 metres. On
