Mon Jun 30 09:12:39 UTC 2025: **Here’s a summary of the provided text:**
Heavy rainfall has caused major rivers in northern Odisha, India to swell, leading to widespread flooding in Balasore and Mayurbhanj districts. The State Government has issued a red alert, evacuated residents from low-lying areas, and initiated rescue and relief operations. The Subarnarekha river has exceeded the danger mark, and other rivers like Budhabalang and Jalaka also pose a threat. Schools and anganwadi centers in Mayurbhanj are closed. The IMD forecasts continued rainfall in the region until July 5, potentially worsening the situation.
**Here’s the news article based on the provided text:**
**Flooding Forces Evacuations in Odisha as Rivers Swell**
**Bhubaneswar/Balasore/Baripada – June 30, 2025** – Major rivers in northern Odisha are overflowing their banks following days of heavy rainfall, prompting the State Government to launch rescue and relief operations in Balasore and Mayurbhanj districts. A red alert has been issued for both districts as water levels in rivers like the Subarnarekha, Budhabalang, and Jalaka continue to rise.
The Subarnarekha river at Rajghat reached 11.53 meters, well above the danger mark of 10.36 meters. Parts of Balasore and Mayurbhanj are already inundated. The flooding is partly attributed to the release of rainwater from dams in neighboring Jharkhand.
“District administrations have started evacuating people from low-lying and flood-prone areas,” stated Revenue and Disaster Management Minister Suresh Pujari. “Rescue and relief operations are underway. The situation is under control.”
Over 1,100 people have already been evacuated in Balasore, and personnel from ODRAF (Odisha Disaster Rapid Action Force) and the Fire Service are actively engaged in rescue efforts. Schools and anganwadi centers in Mayurbhanj have been closed.
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecast more rain across the state until July 5, with heavy rainfall expected in Mayurbhanj, Keonjhar, Sundergarh, and Jharsuguda districts. Authorities are closely monitoring vulnerable river embankments and repairing breaches with sandbags. Evacuees are being housed in shelters with food and other essential supplies.
First Piper 