Flood Fury / Mud Wall Collapse Claims Grandmother, Grandson in Baleshwar

Baleshwar, Aug 17: Baleshwar district has been reeling under continuous rainfall triggered by a low-pressure system, leaving several areas submerged in floodwaters. While residents struggle with waterlogged homes and villages, a tragic incident has added to the misery.

On Sunday night, in Kapasuda village under Netua Panchayat of Jaleswar police limits, a mud wall collapsed while a family was asleep. The sudden cave-in buried three members of the household — grandmother, grandson, and granddaughter — under heavy debris.

Neighbours rushed to the spot after hearing cries for help and managed to rescue the trapped family. They were immediately taken to Jaleswar hospital.

Also read: Flood Situation Worsens In Baleshwar, Bhadrak As River Levels Rise

However, doctors declared 65-year-old Radhika Jena and her grandson Jyoti Prakash Swain dead on arrival. The granddaughter, Smrutirekha, remains in critical condition and is undergoing treatment.

According to locals, the family had finished dinner and retired to bed when the wall gave way. The collapse was likely triggered by incessant rains that weakened the mud structure.

Meanwhile, floodwaters continue to rise across Baleshwar. The Subarnarekha, Jalaka, and Budhabalanga rivers are swelling rapidly.

Jalaka has already crossed the danger mark, while Budhabalanga is inching closer to warning levels. Just a day earlier, all three rivers were flowing below danger levels, but the situation has worsened with persistent rainfall.

Authorities are monitoring the rivers closely and have urged residents in low-lying areas to remain alert. Relief and rescue teams are on standby as the district braces for further flooding.

This tragic loss of life underscores the compounded risks faced by communities during monsoon floods.