Odisha floods 2025

The Odisha floods in 2025 have brought significant challenges to Balasore district, leaving one person missing and over 50 villages marooned due to the Subarnarekha River’s overflow. This blog provides a detailed explanation of the crisis, its causes, impacts, and ongoing response efforts, focusing on the keyword Odisha floods 2025 to ensure comprehensive coverage.

Understanding the Odisha Floods 2025 in Balasore

The Odisha floods 2025 have severely impacted Balasore, a coastal district in Odisha, India. Heavy rainfall in neighboring Jharkhand and the sudden release of water from the Chandil Dam caused the Subarnarekha River to swell, leading to flash floods. These floods have disrupted lives, submerged farmlands, and isolated communities, making it a critical issue for the region.

Causes of the Odisha Floods 2025

Several factors contributed to the Odisha floods 2025 in Balasore:

  • Heavy Rainfall in Jharkhand: Continuous rains in Jharkhand’s upper catchment areas increased the water levels of the Subarnarekha River.
  • Chandil Dam Water Release: Jharkhand officials reportedly discharged excess water from the Chandil Dam without informing Odisha authorities, worsening the flood situation in Balasore.
  • Galudihi Barrage Gate Opening: The opening of eight gates at the Galudihi Barrage further intensified the flood threat.
  • Lack of Coordination: Balasore MP Pratap Sarangi termed the unannounced water release as “criminal misconduct,” highlighting inter-state coordination issues.

These factors combined to create a catastrophic situation, with the Subarnarekha River breaching its danger mark of 10.36 meters, reaching 11.05 meters on June 21, 2025.

Timeline of Events

  • June 20-21, 2025: Heavy rainfall in Jharkhand triggers a surge in the Subarnarekha River.
  • June 21, 2025: Water levels peak above 11 meters, flooding low-lying areas in Balasore. One person goes missing in Baliapal block.
  • June 22, 2025: Water levels recede to 9.94 meters, but over 50 villages remain marooned.

Impacts of the Odisha Floods 2025

The Odisha floods 2025 have left a profound mark on Balasore, affecting over 50,000 people across four blocks: Baliapal, Bhograi, Basta, and Jaleswar. Below are the key impacts:

Human and Social Impact

  • One Person Missing: A young man from Bishnupur gram panchayat in Baliapal block was swept away by floodwaters on June 21, 2025. Rescue operations by the Odisha Disaster Rapid Action Force (ODRAF) are ongoing.
  • Villages Marooned: Over 50 villages, with some sources reporting up to 61, remain cut off due to submerged roads. Boats are the only means of communication.
  • Displacement: Many residents have moved to river embankments, cyclone shelters, and bus stops, living under polythene sheets and facing risks like snakebites.

Economic and Agricultural Losses

  • Farmland Submerged: Vast tracts of paddy and vegetable fields are underwater, threatening significant crop losses and impacting farmers’ livelihoods.
  • Infrastructure Damage: Submerged roads and disrupted vehicular movement have isolated communities, hampering economic activities.
  • Livelihood Disruption: The Odisha floods 2025 have left residents facing shortages of food and potable water, further straining local economies.

Response to the Odisha Floods 2025

The state government and local administration have mobilized extensive efforts to address the Odisha floods 2025 crisis in Balasore. Key measures include:

Rescue and Relief Operations

  • ODRAF and Fire Services: Three ODRAF teams, five Fire Service teams, and one National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) team are conducting rescue operations using boats.
  • Health Measures: ASHAs (Accredited Social Health Activists) are distributing Oral Rehydration Solution (ORS) and halogen tablets in 28 submerged villages to prevent waterborne diseases.
  • Food and Shelter: Free kitchens are operational in Jaleswar, and dry food packets are being supplied to marooned families in Baliapal.

Administrative Actions

  • High Alert Status: Balasore Collector Suryawanshi Mayur Vikas has canceled leaves for government staff and instructed block development officers (BDOs) and tehsildars to prepare for evacuations.
  • Monitoring: DIG Eastern Range Dr. Satyajit Naik is ensuring functional wireless communication systems and coordinating with district officials.
  • Political Response: Balasore MP Pratap Sarangi has raised the issue with Odisha CM Mohan Charan Majhi and plans to seek PM Narendra Modi’s intervention.

Challenges in Response

  • Limited Resources: Only one of ten motorboats at Jamkunda was operational due to a lack of trained staff.
  • Delayed Relief: Some affected villagers have not yet received essential relief, such as dry or cooked food.

Future Preparedness for Odisha Floods

The Odisha floods 2025 have exposed vulnerabilities in Balasore’s disaster preparedness, particularly regarding inter-state coordination and infrastructure resilience. To mitigate future risks, the following steps are crucial:

  • Improved Communication: Establishing protocols for timely communication between Jharkhand and Odisha authorities regarding dam water releases.
  • Strengthened Infrastructure: Reinforcing river embankments and improving drainage systems in low-lying areas.
  • Enhanced Training: Increasing the number of trained personnel for operating rescue boats and managing relief operations.
  • Community Awareness: Conducting public awareness campaigns to educate residents about flood safety measures.

Conclusion

The Odisha floods 2025 in Balasore have caused widespread disruption, with one person missing, over 50 villages marooned, and thousands affected. While rescue and relief efforts are underway, the crisis underscores the need for better inter-state coordination and disaster preparedness. By addressing these challenges, Odisha can build resilience against future floods, ensuring the safety and well-being of its communities.