Normal life was affected due to heavy rainfall in Balangir. A youth was swept away in flood water.

Due to heavy rainfall, the nearby Laxmijore was in a spate and flooded Staynarayan pada and other adjoining areas. Waist deep water was flowing in many habitations while water entered into the low-lying houses.

One of the major reasons for the flood was a small bridge over the Laxmijore through which water cannot pass as it remains clogged. So water overflew, leading to flooding.

The district administration had declared the bridge as technically unsound since 2019.

The Laxmijore which was a major passage  of drainage of rainwater also has been choked with garbage and due to siltation.

People are in a panicky stage as rain was pounding till the report was filed last. Meanwhile, Laxmijore gates have been opened.

District Collector Chanchal Rana in a tweet said measures were being taken to reach out to the worst hit. He also said water was being released from a ward in the DHH.

Balangir MLA Narsingha Mishra visited various flood affected areas of the town. BJD leader Arkesh Singh Deo also visited various flood affected areas and interacted with the people. In an unexpected incident,a  youth of Phatkara(A) village was swift away in the torrential flood water, while he was trying to cross a culvert over Laxmijore near his village.

ODRAFT and fire officials rushed to the spot and launched a search operation but the victim was not traced. However, flood  water was gradually receding by evening.