Rain Fury / Mayurbhanj Floods: 20 Blocks Affected, Thousands Evacuated

Baripada, Sep 26: Floodwaters have wreaked havoc across Mayurbhanj district in Odisha, affecting 20 blocks, one municipality, and one NAC, with thousands of residents displaced and road connectivity severely disrupted, officials said on Saturday.

Several villages in Betanati and Badasahi blocks remain submerged, while the Budhabalanga river has overflowed onto the Nakhara bridge, leaving 2–3 feet of water and halting traffic. Roads connecting Betanati–Badasahi and Manatri–Baishinga have been closed due to inundation.

According to officials, 10,373 people have been evacuated to safer locations and are currently housed in relief centres. The administration has set up 89 relief camps and 72 free kitchens, while three ODRAF units and 18 Fire Services teams have been deployed for rescue and relief operations.

In Betanati block, villages such as Patali Pura and Kalama are under water, while in Badasahi block, Shalgaon, Managobindpur, Chandnapur, Durgapur, Kendudih, and Balabhadrapur have been inundated.
Also Read: Baitarani, Salandi Rivers Swell, Villages Flooded in Bhadrak

The situation in Baripada town has begun to ease, with floodwaters receding from several wards and residents slowly returning to normal life. Areas such as Udala, Kaptipada, Bangiriposhi, and Sarasakana have also reported improvement, with traffic resuming on cut‑off roads.

As a precaution, schools across seven blocks — Thakurmunda, Kaptipada, Udala, Gopabandhunagar, Khunta, Badasahi, and Betanati — have been closed for Classes I to XII.

District authorities said relief and rehabilitation work is continuing, with close monitoring of vulnerable areas.