Baleshwar: Several low-lying areas of Odisha’s Baleshwar district have been inundated after the Subarnarekha and Jalaka rivers crossed their danger marks.
At Rajghat, the Subarnarekha was flowing at 11.68 metres, well above its danger mark of 10.36 metres. This is the fourth flood in the Subarnarekha river this season. Similarly, the Jalaka river was flowing at 6.64 metres at Mathani, crossing its danger level of 6.50 metres.
The flood has severely affected low-lying areas of Baliapal and Bhograi, where large stretches have gone underwater. With inadequate drainage facilities, water has accumulated in agricultural fields, damaging recently transplanted paddy seedlings.
Thousands of hectares of vegetable crops have also been affected. Floodwater has entered several houses, damaging stored paddy, rice and other household supplies.
Several roads have been submerged under four to five feet of water, disrupting road connectivity and normal movement. With many routes inaccessible, residents in affected areas are using traditional country boats to travel.
The situation has raised concerns over further damage to crops, homes and local infrastructure if the water level in the rivers continues to remain above the danger mark.