Balasore, Jun 21: Heavy rainfall triggered by a low-pressure system over Odisha and neighbouring Jharkhand has led to the first major flood of the season in the Subarnarekha River.

The release of over 2.42 lakh cusecs of water from the Galudih Barrage in Jharkhand has caused the river to swell beyond the danger level, inundating nearly 40 villages in northern Balasore.

The worst-affected blocks include Jaleswar, Bhogarai, Basta, and Baliapal, where floodwaters have entered homes and farmlands, destroying standing crops and isolating several communities. The sudden surge has left farmers reeling from heavy losses.

District officials, including the Mayurbhanj Collector and SP, visited Rajghat in Jaleswar to assess the situation. The Water Resources Department is closely monitoring the embankments, especially in vulnerable areas like Chaudhurykud in Baliapal, where emergency sandbagging is underway to prevent breaches.

In response to the crisis, Balasore Collector Suryawanshi Mayur Vikas has cancelled all leaves of government officials and instructed them to remain at their headquarters. Relief teams have been mobilized, and cyclone shelters are being prepared for possible evacuations. Medical supplies, clean drinking water, and dry food stocks are being arranged in anticipation of worsening conditions.

Health officials are also on alert due to the risk of diarrheal outbreaks in flood-affected areas. Anti-snake venom (ASV) stocks have been deployed in vulnerable zones.

With the Subarnarekha River still flowing above danger levels, the administration has issued a 24-hour high alert for all officials in the four affected blocks and urged residents in low-lying areas to remain vigilant.

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