Baleshwar: Relentless rainfall has thrown normal life out of gear across Odisha's Baleshwar district, with Baleshwar town recording 246.6 mm of rainfall in the last 24 hours and causing widespread waterlogging, flooding in residential areas, and disruption of road traffic.

More than half of Baleshwar town remained inundated. Rainwater has entered several houses in low-lying areas, while strong water currents on roads have made commuting difficult. Continuous rain since Monday night has severely affected daily life, with residents reporting damage to homes and household belongings.

Major roads across the town remain submerged, bringing vehicular movement to a near standstill and leaving commuters stranded. Several localities, including Nuasahi, Gudipada, Chidia Pol, Ajimabad, and Congress Gali, are witnessing flood-like conditions.

The Fire Services department has launched rescue operations, evacuating residents from a hotel near Chidia Pol as well as from Telenga Sahi and Postal Colony, where floodwaters entered residential areas.

River level rises in Soro

In the Soro area, the continuous downpour has led to a steady rise in the water level of the Kansabansa River, raising concerns among people living along its banks.

The rainfall has left low-lying areas waterlogged, while many rural roads have turned muddy, disrupting transportation and access to markets. Waterlogging in agricultural fields has also increased concern among farmers over possible crop damage.

The district administration is closely monitoring the river's water level and has advised residents in vulnerable riverside villages to remain alert and immediately inform authorities in case of any emergency. Locals fear the situation could worsen if the rain continues.

Nilgiri faces waterlogging

Heavy rain has also created severe waterlogging in Nilgiri NAC, where rainwater has entered homes in several wards, leaving hundreds of families stranded.

After nearly 12 hours of continuous rainfall, areas including Ghataghara Sahi (Ward 1), Bari Sahi (Ward 5), Baligohiri (Ward 7), Banpur, Upper Kahalia, Station Sahi Chhak (Ward 11), and Oldang remain submerged. Residents in these areas are facing significant hardship as floodwaters continue to surround their homes.