North Odisha Villages Submerged as Floods Persist

Heavy monsoon rains over the past week have caused rivers in North Odisha to swell, submerging several villages. Local authorities report that at least five villages in the districts of Cuttack and Puri are still underwater, with residents trapped on rooftops. Rescue teams from the Odisha Disaster Management Authority have deployed boats and helicopters to evacuate stranded people, but access remains difficult due to damaged roads. The state government has declared a state of emergency in the affected areas and is coordinating with the National Disaster Response Force for additional support. Water levels are expected to rise further until the monsoon season subsides, according to meteorological forecasts.