Rain Fury / Heavy Rain Pushes Jalaka, Budhabalanga Rivers Above Warning Marks in Odisha's Baleshwar District

Baleshwar, Sep 25: Heavy rainfall has pushed water levels in two major rivers in Odisha's Baleshwar district above their respective warning marks, triggering concern among residents in low-lying areas, a source said on Friday.

As of 8 am, the Jalaka River was flowing at 6.76 metres at Mathani in Basta block, against its warning level of 6 metres and danger level of 6.50 metres. The Budhabalanga River was flowing at 7.92 metres, above its warning level of 7.21 metres.

The Subarnarekha river, meanwhile, continues to flow below its warning level, the source added.

The rising Jalaka has raised concerns as heavy rainfall in its upper catchment in Mayurbhanj district, coupled with incessant rain across the Jalaka basin in Baleshwar's Basta, has led to a steady rise in the river's water level.

The latest rise has affected more than 10 panchayats in Basta block and two panchayats in Baleshwar Sadar block. Floodwater has inundated thousands of hectares of farmland, while water has also entered several low-lying areas.

Also Read: Flood Threat Looms Over Mayurbhanj as Budhabalanga Swells; Schools Closed, Woman Dies in Wall Collapse

Floodwater flowing over roads at several locations has disrupted vehicular movement and communication, adding to the difficulties faced by residents.

The situation has caused particular concern among people living close to the river as the water level continues to rise.

The Jalaka has already caused repeated flooding in the region this year, affecting agricultural land across Basta block. Thousands of hectares of crops have reportedly been damaged by earlier flooding, and the latest rise has renewed fears of further losses among farmers.

With rainfall continuing in the upper catchment and the river level showing an upward trend, residents of vulnerable areas are remaining cautious amid fears that more areas could be inundated if the situation worsens.