Jajpur,(Pradeep kumar Mallick): Following continuous heavy rainfall, the water level of the Baitarani River has risen significantly, leading to a nearly 100-foot breach in the river embankment at Nuamahara. As a result, the flood situation in Binjharpur Block has turned critical. Torrents of floodwater entering through the breach have inundated several villages, severely disrupting normal life.
Several villages, including Argal in Haldidhia Panchayat, Kusunpur, Gunduripada, and Sahani Sahi under Jari Panchayat, along with villages in Fhalapur, Andhala, Champeipal, Guhali, and Bangara Panchayats, have been completely cut off from the outside world. With roads submerged under floodwater, communication and transportation have come to a standstill. Many families remain stranded inside their homes, while boats have become their only means of transportation.
The flood has severely affected around 10 Panchayats in the block. The district administration has been distributing cooked food to the affected people. According to official estimates, more than 10,000 people have been impacted by the floods. Vast stretches of paddy fields have been submerged due to overflowing floodwater, causing extensive damage to agricultural land. Vegetable crops have also suffered heavy losses, leaving farmers deeply worried. Several educational institutions, temples, and commercial establishments remain surrounded by floodwater. The inundation has also created serious difficulties for livestock, as animals remain stranded in waterlogged areas.
To assess the situation, Binjharpur MLA Pramila Mallick visited the flood-affected villages and interacted with the victims. She directed the administration to ensure immediate government assistance, relief materials, and essential facilities for the affected families. An NDRF team has been deployed in the Haldidhia area to expedite rescue and relief operations.
Excise Commissioner P. Anevesha Reddy also visited the flood-affected areas and reviewed the situation with administrative officials. The Block Development Officer (BDO), Tahasildar, and other departmental officials were present during the inspection. Meanwhile, Block Chairperson Ranjita Kumari Das, along with leaders and representatives of various political parties, including the BJP and the Congress, visited the affected villages, interacted with the flood victims, and assured them of all possible assistance.
The flood situation has created widespread concern across Binjharpur Block. The administration continues to monitor the situation closely, focusing on embankment protection, relief distribution, rescue operations, and surveillance of waterlogged areas. Local residents have demanded immediate permanent repair of the breached embankment and adequate compensation and rehabilitation assistance for all affected families.
