Flood crisis hits Odisha's Mayurbhanj: 20 blocks affected, over 10,000 relocated
Severe flooding in Odisha's Mayurbhanj district has hit 20 blocks, forcing over 10,000 people to move to relief camps as rescue operations intensify.
A massive flood crisis has gripped the Mayurbhanj district in Odisha following relentless monsoon rains and a surge in river levels. The deluge has submerged numerous villages, paralyzed vital transportation networks, and forced more than 10,000 residents to flee their homes as water levels continue to pose a threat to life and property.
Widespread devastation across 20 blocks
The scale of the disaster is immense, with 20 blocks, one municipality, and one Notified Area Council (NAC) reporting significant impact. The flooding has been particularly severe in the Betnoti and Badasahi blocks. Among the many villages struggling under rising waters are:
- Betnoti Block: Patalipura and Kalama.
- Badasahi Block: Salagaon, Managobindapur, Chandanpur, Durgapur, Kendudiha, and Balabhadrapur.
For these residents, the sight of submerged homes and inundated farmlands has turned daily survival into a monumental challenge.
Transport paralyzed and infrastructure at risk
The flooding has not only affected homes but has also crippled the region's connectivity. The Budhabalanga Nakhara bridge has become a major point of concern, with reports indicating water levels reaching 2 to 3 feet, making the crossing extremely hazardous.
Critical transit routes have been completely severed, including the roads connecting Betnoti to Badasahi and Manatri to Baisinga. These closures have isolated several villages, complicating the efforts of emergency responders to deliver essential supplies to those stranded.
Massive rescue and relief operations underway
In a race against time, local authorities have moved 10,373 people to safer locations. To support the displaced population, the administration has established:
- 89 relief camps across the hardest-hit zones.
- 72 free kitchen centres to ensure families have access to regular meals.
On the ground, rescue efforts are being led by three teams from the Odisha Disaster Rapid Action Force (ODRAF) alongside 18 fire service teams. These units are working tirelessly to evacuate people to higher ground, distribute essential goods, and monitor the volatile water levels.
Schools closed as safety remains priority
As a precautionary measure to ensure the safety of students, the district administration has ordered the closure of all schools from Class 1 to Class 12 in seven specific blocks. These include:
- Thakurmunda
- Kaptipada
- Udala
- Gopabandhunagar
- Khunta
- Badasahi
- Betnoti
Signs of receding water in some areas
While much of the district remains in crisis, there are glimpses of relief. Floodwaters have begun to recede in various city wards, allowing some residents to return to their routines. Similarly, the situation has shown signs of improvement in Udala, Kaptipada, Bangiriposi, and Saraskana, where previously blocked roads have reopened to traffic.
Despite this progress, the threat is not entirely over. Officials are maintaining a high state of alert, focusing on providing medical aid, drinking water, and food to the elderly, children, and vulnerable individuals in temporary shelters. The administration is currently assessing the full extent of damage to crops and property to plan for long-term recovery.