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**The Hindu: Odisha Reels from Subarnarekha River Flooding; One Missing**

**Balasore, Odisha – June 22, 2025:** More than 50 villages in Balasore district, Odisha, remain marooned after the Subarnarekha river swelled, inundating the low-lying areas. One person is missing, feared swept away by the floodwaters.

According to officials, a young man from the Bishnupur gram panchayat area of Baliapal block was reported missing on Saturday. The Odisha Disaster Rapid Action Force (ODRAF) has launched a rescue operation.

The flooding has impacted at least four blocks – Baliapal, Bhograi, Basta, and Jaleswar. Local Member of Parliament Pratap Sarangi has alleged that the authorities of Chandil Dam in Jharkhand released excess water without prior notification to Odisha, calling it “criminal misconduct.”

Over 50,000 people have been affected by the flash flood. While the water level is now receding, authorities believe it will take four to five days for the situation to fully recover. On Sunday morning, the water level was recorded at 9.94 meters at Rajghat, just below the danger mark of 10.36 meters, after peaking at over 11 meters on Saturday.

“Floodwater has already entered into villages and agricultural fields,” an official stated. The State Government has deployed five Fire Service teams, three ODRAF teams, and one National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) team to assist in rescue and relief efforts. Boats are currently the only means of transportation in the submerged areas.

Many displaced villagers are seeking shelter on river embankments, using polythene sheets for protection.

The Balasore district administration is actively working to prevent the spread of waterborne diseases. According to a post by the Collector & District Magistrate of Balasore on X, Accredited Social Health Activists (ASHAs) are distributing oral rehydration salts (ORS) and halogen tablets in submerged villages. Health teams are also on the ground, ensuring essential medicines are stocked at primary health centers, sub-centers, and the ASHA level.

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