Flood Fury / Fresh Flood Threat Looms as Subarnarekha, Baitarani Rivers Rise in Odisha

Bhubaneswar, Sep 2: The flood crisis in Odisha has deepened with water levels rising dangerously in both the Subarnarekha and Baitarani rivers, leaving hundreds of villages inundated and thousands of residents in distress.

Heavy rainfall in the upper catchment areas and the release of 5,039 cusecs of water through 13 gates of Jharkhand’s Galudih barrage have sharply increased the Subarnarekha’s flow.

At Rajghat, where the warning level is 9.45 metres and the danger mark is 10.36 metres, the river was flowing at 11.54 metres by 7 a.m. This marks the third flood in the river this season, sparking panic among residents along its banks.

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Floodwaters have submerged large parts of Baliapal, Jaleswar and Bhograi blocks, cutting off several villages from the outside world. In many areas, roads are under five feet of water, disrupting transport and forcing locals to rely on country boats and powerboats. With earlier floodwaters yet to recede, the fresh surge has worsened the plight of affected communities.

Meanwhile, the Baitarani river has also swollen due to low‑pressure‑induced rains in its upper reaches.

Flooding in the river and its tributary Kani has impacted 62 villages across 19 gram panchayats in Dasarathpur block. Incomplete repair work from the previous flood has allowed fresh waters to breach embankments, inundating vast stretches of farmland. Paddy and vegetable crops have been destroyed, leaving farmers devastated.

In Dasarathpur, families displaced by earlier floods are once again struggling. Over 100 households in Dovabil remain under makeshift shelters, surviving on cooked food supplied by the administration. Many have lost homes and are taking refuge with neighbours or in relief centres.

The situation has forced the closure of schools in affected areas. The Jajpur district administration has declared a holiday for 71 schools in Dasarathpur and Binjharpur blocks. Officials say the measure is necessary to ensure student safety amid worsening flood conditions.

With rivers yet to recede and repeated flooding striking within weeks, the humanitarian crisis continues to escalate.