ODISHA FLOODS: OVER 170 VILLAGES AFFECTED, MORE RAIN EXPECTED
BHUBANESWAR, Odisha – August 26, 2025:The flood situation in Odisha is still bad. Over 170 villages in Balasore, Bhadrak, and Jajpur have been underwater for two days straight because heavy rain made the Subarnarekha and Baitarani rivers go over their limit. The weather department (IMD) says there will be more heavy rain soon because a low-pressure area is forming over the Bay of Bengal, which could make the flooding even worse.
Affected Areas and River Issues
Balasore, Bhadrak, and Jajpur are the worst hit. In Balasore, about 130 villages in Baliapal, Bhograi, and Jaleswar are flooded by the Subarnarekha River. Jajpur is in really bad shape because a 30-meter section of the Kani river (a part of the Baitarani) broke, which flooded around 45 villages.
The Baitarani River also caused floods in Dhamnagar and Bhandaripokhari in Bhadrak. Other areas like Keonjhar and Sundergarh have seen river levels rise and some flooding, too.
Government Actions and Aid
Suresh Pujari, Odisha’s disaster management minister, said they are doing everything they can to help. Rescue teams are helping people leave unsafe areas. They’re giving out food and supplies to those staying in shelters.
In Sundergarh, a truck driver got swept away by floodwaters while crossing a bridge. Firefighters saved his helper, but they are still looking for the driver.
Weather Forecast
The weather department has put Odisha on alert for four days of heavy rain because of a low-pressure area forming off the coast. This could bring a lot of rain on August 26 and 27, along with thunderstorms and strong winds. People are worried that the water levels might rise again soon.
Daily Life Disrupted
The flooding has made daily life hard, with transportation blocked off in many places. Schools have been closed for at least two days in some areas. The government is telling people not to travel and has put local officials on alert for more emergencies.
Engineers are ready to fix the river breaks as soon as the water goes down. The priority is to save people and give them help right away, and officials are getting ready for more bad weather during the monsoon season.
