Flood Fury / Bhargavi River Breach Sparks Flood Panic in Puri

Puri, Sep 30: The Bhargavi river has once again unleashed its fury in Puri district, breaching embankments and inundating vast stretches of farmland. Heavy floodwaters washed away nearly half of the embankment near Nuagaon-Gabakund, leaving residents fearful of further breaches.

Locals, worried about the collapse of the riverbank, spent sleepless nights camping on the embankment to monitor the situation.

The irrigation department has attempted to reinforce the weakened structure with polythene and temporary measures, but concerns remain about their effectiveness.

Also read: Odisha Reels under Flood, 166 Schools Closed in Bhadrak

Officials admitted that despite earlier investments worth crores in strengthening the embankment, large portions of soil were siphoned off illegally, leaving the structure vulnerable.

This year alone, floods have destroyed 434 hectares of crops across Pipili, Kanasa, and Nimapada regions. As compensation, 1,851 affected farmers have received ₹39.52 lakh in relief. Yet, the recurring breaches continue to threaten livelihoods.

Floodwaters have already eroded nearly 20 feet of the embankment, raising fears of a complete collapse. If water levels rise further, even the concrete road atop the embankment could be washed away.

Emergency officials, however, noted that water levels remain below the danger mark of 8.8 cusecs, with the flow recorded at 7.8 cusecs by evening.

Meanwhile, the Subarnarekha river continues to keep hundreds of villages marooned in Baliapal, Bhograi, and Jaleswar blocks of Baleshwar district.

With drainage facilities inadequate, residents rely on country boats for movement. Though water levels are gradually receding, complete relief may take another two to three days.

The fourth flood of the year has devastated farmers once again. Paddy fields and vegetable crops across thousands of hectares in the Subarnarekha basin have been submerged, leaving cattle and domestic animals starving as homes remain waterlogged.

Officials stress that while the Bhargavi and Kushabhadra rivers are discharging water swiftly into the sea, vigilance remains critical. Districts along the Dhanua river and low‑lying areas of Pipili and Kanasa are under close watch.

For now, the absence of full moon tidal impact has prevented a larger disaster, but the recurring floods have already crippled the economic backbone of farmers in coastal Odisha.