Balasore, June 21: The Subarnarekha River overflowed its banks following heavy rainfall in the upper catchment areas, inundating more than 70 villages across four blocks-- Jaleswar, Bhograi, Baliapal, and Basta-- in Odisha’s Balasore district, officials said on Saturday.

The worst-hit region is Bhograi block, where floodwater entered 50 villages across 10 panchayats. Thousands of acres of farmland are submerged, raising serious concerns among farmers about crop loss.

In Baliapal, around 2,000 families from four panchayats have been affected.

The river, which had crossed its danger mark of 13.36 meters on Friday, was flowing at 10.96 meters by Saturday afternoon, indicating a gradual decline in water level.

District Collector Suryawanshi Mayur Vikas assured that the situation is improving, and floodwater is expected to recede further by Sunday.

In response to the crisis, all government officials’ leaves have been canceled. The Collector has instructed officers not to leave their headquarters without permission and to remain on 24-hour alert.

Emergency measures include preparing cyclone shelters for possible evacuations, stocking essential medicines, and ensuring availability of dry food supplies.

The district administration is closely monitoring the situation and has pledged to take all necessary steps to safeguard lives and property in the affected areas, officials said.

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