Bhubaneswar, July 28: The Jalaka River crossed the danger mark on Tuesday following incessant rainfall in its catchment areas, triggering the first flood of the season in Odisha's Balasore district. The rising river has inundated vast stretches of agricultural land and waterlogged several parts of Balasore town, prompting the district administration to step up emergency preparedness.

According to official reports, the danger level of the Jalaka River at Mathani is 6.5 metres, while the warning level is fixed at 6 metres. The river was flowing at 6.53 metres at 7 am on Tuesday and rose further to 6.56 metres by 10 am, officially confirming flood conditions. Hundreds of hectares of farmland in Basta and Sadar blocks have gone under water, raising concerns among farmers over crop losses.

Officials attributed the sudden surge in the river's water level to continuous heavy rainfall caused by a prevailing low-pressure system. Balasore and neighbouring Mayurbhanj districts have witnessed extremely heavy rainfall over the past two days, resulting in a sharp inflow of water from upstream catchment areas, including Rasgovindpur, Morada, Shuliapada and Chitrapada.

The relentless rain has also severely affected normal life in Balasore town. Several low-lying localities remain submerged, causing traffic disruptions and waterlogging across major roads and intersections. Areas including Bus Stand–Remuna Road at Nua Sahi Chhak, Telenga Sahi Sai Mandir, Ajimabada Chhak, Sahadev Khunta–Nua Sahi Road, Tamulia Bridge, Chhatua Pokhari–Mendashul Road and internal roads near the court premises are among the worst affected.

The district administration has launched water-drainage operations in vulnerable areas, while Fire Services personnel remain on standby for evacuation if the situation worsens. Rainfall data shows that Balasore received 405 mm on July 26, 354 mm on July 27 and 173.1 mm on July 28, with the town alone recording 204 mm till Tuesday morning. Authorities are closely monitoring the Jalaka River as further rainfall could aggravate the flood situation in low-lying areas.

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