Bhubaneswar, Odisha – July 27, 2025 – The Odisha government is on high alert, closely monitoring the situation in the northern districts of Balasore, Bhadrak, and Jajpur, where incessant rainfall has led to a flood-like situation. The rising water levels in the Subarnarekha, Jalaka, and Baitarani rivers are a cause for significant concern.
The Baitarani river, in particular, has already breached its danger mark at Akhuapada, prompting the administration to issue a flood warning for Jajpur and Bhadrak districts. Lingraj Gaur, Chief Engineer of Water Resources, provided an update to ANI, stating, “The catchment of the Baitarani river experienced heavy rainfall on Friday. We got rainfall of around 150mm to 200 mm for three days in some places. There is definitely a flood-like situation.”
Highlighting the current water levels, Gaur added, “Akhuapada danger level is 18.33, and now the present level is 18.8. We are observing that [it’s] increasing by 12mm per hour. So it might go up to 19 or more than that. A flood-like situation is there, but not a heavy flood.”
Meanwhile, floodwaters from the Jalka river have already inundated several areas within the Basta block of Balasore district. In response, the government has initiated evacuation procedures for four affected blocks. Additional Collector Sudhakar Naik confirmed that rescue and relief operations are in full swing. “There is a flood in the Jalka river today. As a result, the Basta block has been affected. Four areas of the block are being vacated,” Naik stated.
As part of the relief efforts, cooked food has been provided to approximately 260 people. Furthermore, 22 people and 15 animals have been successfully rescued from the affected regions. Three fire brigades and two teams from the Odisha Disaster Rapid Action Force (ODRAF) have been deployed to assist in the rescue operations. “There has been no loss of life or property,” Naik affirmed, adding a hopeful note that “The water of the Jalka River is not expected to increase tomorrow.”
Despite the current focus on Jalka and Baitarani, the administration is also preparing for potential flooding in the Subarnarekha River. Additional Collector Naik cautioned, “We are anticipating a flood in the Subarnarekha River today. It could reach the danger level… We are prepared for it.”
In light of the prevailing weather conditions, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a yellow warning for heavy rainfall on Sunday. The warning covers several districts across Odisha, including Balasore, Bhadrak, Jajpur, Kendrapara, Cuttack, Jagatsinghpur, Sundargarh, Jharsuguda, Bargarh, Sambalpur, Deogarh, Angul, Dhenkanal, Keonjhar, and Mayurbhanj. Residents in these areas are advised to remain vigilant and take necessary precautions.