The Odisha government has issued a flood alert for the Balasore district as major rivers in the region are experiencing rising water levels. This decision was made on Sunday, June 29, 2025, due to the impending flood threat in the northern part of the state. The alert aims to ensure that the district administration is prepared to manage potential flooding caused by swelling rivers such as Budhabalang, Subarnarekha, Jalaka, and Sono. These rivers are expected to continue rising, potentially leading to flooding by Monday.
To effectively handle the situation, the government has deployed an engineer-in-chief and a chief engineer to Balasore to oversee flood management efforts. The State Flood Cell in the Department of Water Resources (DoWR) is operating around the clock to monitor the situation closely. The Collector of Balasore has been instructed to expedite evacuation and relief operations. Senior engineers from DoWR have also been dispatched to Balasore to assist with on-ground flood management.
As of Sunday at 4 PM, the Subarnarekha river was flowing at 8.41 meters at Rajghat, nearing its danger level of 10.36 meters. The Budhabalang river was recorded at 6.94 meters at Govindpur, against a danger mark of 8.13 meters. The Jalaka river at Mathani had already exceeded its danger level, flowing at 6.65 meters against a red mark of 6.50 meters. Peak flood levels are anticipated, with the Subarnarekha expected to reach 11.25 meters by midnight, the Budhabalanga at 8.20 meters by 9 AM on Monday, and the Jalaka at 6.82 meters by 6 PM on Sunday.
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) reported the formation of a fresh low-pressure area over the Northwest Bay of Bengal and adjoining West Bengal and Bangladesh coasts. This weather pattern is expected to bring heavy rainfall to northern Odisha. The IMD forecasts that the low-pressure area will likely move west-northwestward across North Odisha, Gangetic West Bengal, and Jharkhand over the next two days. Isolated heavy rainfall is expected in Odisha from June 29 to July 4.
In light of these developments, residents in vulnerable areas are being urged to remain alert and adhere to official advisories. The Balasore administration is taking precautionary measures, including preparing for evacuations to flood relief shelters and stockpiling essential supplies. The district machinery has been placed on 24-hour alert, and leaves for government officials in Jaleswar, Bhogarai, Basta, and Baliapal blocks have been canceled.
