Rains in Odisha: Over 9 lakh affected; flood situation remains grim

Extremely heavy rainfall in Odisha has triggered waterlogging and floods in Balasore and Mayurbhanj districts. The flood situation in several northern Odisha districts turned grim with the swollen rivers inundating low-lying areas, leaving people in at least 134 villages marooned. As many as 251 villages have been impacted by the north Odisha floods, while the total number of affected population crossed 9.66 lakhs.

Rains in Odisha: Over 9 lakh affected; flood situation remains grim. Credit: PTI Photo

The flood situation in several northern Odisha districts, including Balasore, turned grim with the swollen rivers inundating low-lying areas, leaving people in at least 134 villages marooned. Credit: PTI Photo

Rivers such as Subarnarekha, Budhabalang, Jalaka, and Baitarani in north Odisha are in spate due to heavy rain caused by a deep depression over the Bay of Bengal, and subsequent floods water release from Jharkhand, officials said. Credit: PTI Photo

As many as 251 villages in the districts of Balasore, Mayurbhanj, Jajpur, and Bhadrak have been affected by the north Odisha floods. The total number of affected population has reached 10 lakhs. Credit: PTI Photo

The state government is currently operating 440 relief centres, where above 1.71 people are being fed cooked meals. Authorities in Balasore and Mayurbhanj districts launched a massive evacuation drive to shift people from vulnerable areas to safer locations. Credit: PTI Photo

Many villages in Baliapal, Bhograi, Basta and Jaleswar blocks of Balasore lay inundated. The evacuation process continued even as flood water entered the villages. Credit: PTI Photo

Not just Subarnarekha river, waters from river Budhabalang and Jalaka have also overtopped banks and entered fields and residential areas in Balasore, officials in the water resources department said. Credit: PTI Photo

Meanwhile, the state government has announced a seven-day relief package for the marooned people of Balasore, Mayurbhanj, Bhadrak, Keonjhar and Jajpur districts. Credit: PTI Photo

The CM had delegated the powers of special relief commissioner to the collector of Balasore district for effective administration. A special helicopter is also placed to deal with any emergency. Credit: PTI Photo