[Watch] Odisha Deputy CM Tours Balasore As Flooding Affects 154 Villages, Claims 2 Lives

Balasore: Deputy Chief Minister Pravati Parida on Thursday conducted an aerial survey of flood-affected six blocks in Odisha’s Balasore district where Subarnarekha river has begun receding after breaching its banks.

“I surveyed the flood-affected areas in Bhograi, Baliapal, Jaleswar, Basta, Remuna and Balasore Sadar. A total of 154 villages across these six blocks and 8 wards of Jaleshwar Municipality have been affected. Steps have been taken to relocate people to safe places and provide them food,” Parida posted on X.

The district administration has deployed teams of the Odisha Fire and Emergency Services, ODRAF, and National Disaster Response Force in rescue and relief operations, she added.

Besides the chopper ride, Parida also travelled to the affected areas in a speed boat to assess the extent of damage caused by the recent heavy rainfall and overflowing rivers. She was accompanied by Balasore MP Pratap Sarangi.

Health teams sent to affected blocks

On Tuesday, the state government also dispatched a health team to assess the situation in Basta, Baliapal, and nearby areas, and bleaching powder, halogen tablets, and anti-snake venom serums are being distributed in the affected area. The officials have been instructed to prepare for potential flooding by mapping floodwater entry points, ensure sufficient drug supplies, set up control rooms in affected areas, and keep rapid response teams ready for health emergencies. No water-borne diseases have been reported in flood-affected areas yet.

Several rivers receding

Speaking to mediapersons, Revenue and Disaster Minister Suresh Pujari said that Budhabalanga and Subarnarekha rivers are flowing below danger level. “Many GPs were also marooned in Baitarani floodwater. Cooked food will be provided to people staying in relief centres for seven days. Damage assessment has started. House damage report will be received after water recedes fully. Compensation will be given as soon as possible,” he assured.

Drinking water crisis

Meanwhile, residents of low-lying areas in Bhograi, Baliapal, Jaleswar, Basta, Remuna and Balasore Sadar blocks are struggling to access clean water with tap water supply stopped and tube-wells submerged in floodwater. The local administration is reportedly providing one water bottle and 500 gram chuda to each family in the flood-affected areas.

Two deaths

The flooding also claimed life of two individuals in the district. Fire and Emergency Services personnel retrieved the body of a 90-year-old man, Dibakar Giri from Kusuda village in Bhograi block, while an Odisha Disaster Rapid Action Force team recovered the body of Rakesh Singh from Bishnupur village, who was swept away in the floodwater currents on Tuesday.