Is the Odisha Government Prepared for Potential Floods in Balasore?
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Synopsis
As Odisha faces severe rainfall, the government alerts Balasore authorities about possible flood conditions. With rivers nearing critical levels, evacuation and relief efforts are underway to ensure community safety. Discover the measures being taken to mitigate disaster risks!
Key Takeaways
- Odisha Government takes proactive measures in flood management.
- Evacuations are prioritized for low-lying areas.
- Rising water levels in key rivers pose significant risks.
- National disaster response teams are mobilized for assistance.
- Community safety remains the top priority amid severe weather conditions.
Bhubaneswar, June 29 (NationPress) In response to the persistent rainfall in neighboring Jharkhand and various districts within the state, the Odisha Government has issued an urgent directive to the collector of Balasore district to maintain a heightened state of vigilance regarding the impending flood risks in the Subarnarekha, Budhabalanga, and Jalaka rivers.
The Balasore collector has also been instructed to accelerate the evacuation of residents from low-lying regions and initiate relief efforts immediately.
The statement from the Odisha Water Resources Department on Sunday indicated, “Due to relentless rain in Jharkhand and parts of Mayurbhanj and Balasore districts, water levels in the Subarnarekha, Budhabalanga, and Jalaka rivers are rising significantly.”
The department's release further noted that the Jalaka River has already surpassed its danger threshold, currently measuring 6.65 meters at Mathani, above the critical level of 6.50 meters.
Meanwhile, the Subarnarekha River is flowing at 8.41 meters at Rajghat, nearing its danger mark of 10.36 meters.
The Budhabalanga River stands at 6.94 meters at Govindpur, which is below its danger level of 8.13 meters. According to the department, peak flooding is anticipated in the Subarnarekha, Budhabalanga, and Jalaka rivers at midnight, 9 a.m. on Monday, and 6 p.m. on Sunday, respectively.
“The State Flood Cell within the Department of Water Resources is operational 24x7, vigilantly monitoring the situation. The Balasore collector has been alerted to hasten evacuation and relief initiatives,” added the Water Resources Department.
The government has also appointed an Engineer-in-Chief and a Chief Engineer in Balasore to supervise on-ground flood management and to offer technical assistance.
Importantly, the Subarnarekha River, which traverses through Jharkhand, West Bengal, and Odisha, has recently inundated large areas in Balasore district, impacting over 50,000 residents and flooding numerous villages.
The government has dispatched a team from the National Disaster Response Force, three teams from the Odisha Disaster Rapid Action Force, and five fire department teams to the two most severely affected blocks—Bhograi and Baliapal—in Balasore a couple of days ago.
Point of View
The approach taken by the Odisha government demonstrates a proactive stance on disaster management. Ensuring timely evacuation and effective relief operations is crucial in safeguarding the lives of affected communities, showcasing the state's commitment to prioritizing public safety.
NationPress
29/06/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the current situation regarding the flood risk in Balasore?
The Odisha government has alerted the Balasore district collector about potential flooding due to rising water levels in the Subarnarekha, Budhabalanga, and Jalaka rivers.
What measures are being taken for evacuation?
The Balasore collector has been instructed to expedite the evacuation of residents in low-lying areas and initiate relief operations.
How are the rivers currently measured?
The Jalaka River has exceeded its danger level, while the Subarnarekha River is approaching its danger mark. The Budhabalanga River is below its danger level.
What support is being provided for flood management?
The government has deployed teams from the National Disaster Response Force and Odisha Disaster Rapid Action Force to manage the situation.
How many people are affected by the floods?
Over 50,000 residents have been affected by the recent flooding in Balasore district.
