Flood Crisis in Odisha’s Sorada as Rising River Waters Submerge Town and Villages

New Delhi, October 29, 2026 Three days of relentless rainfall have triggered flooding across Sorada in Odisha’s Ganjam district, leaving several localities underwater and disrupting road connectivity. The situation has intensified following a rise in the Rushikulya River’s water level amid Cyclone Arnab, with residents in multiple areas finding themselves surrounded by floodwater. The scale of inundation has raised serious concerns, with reports suggesting that water on roads in affected areas has reached nearly 20 feet. Connectivity between Sorada and other locations has been disrupted, while three people are reportedly trapped in the floodwater. Rescue operations have been initiated to address the situation. Several parts of Sorada town, including Adarsha Colony, Matha Sahi and Kali Temple Sahi, have been affected. The flooding has also extended to villages across the block, including Palakatu, Nuagaon, Tatabali and Suramani, along with other surrounding settlements. The spread of water has disrupted normal life across the affected areas. Although the intensity of the storm and strong winds has eased, rainfall over the past three days has continued to worsen conditions. The rising river level, combined with persistent precipitation, has contributed to the flooding, leaving several areas submerged and residents facing difficult circumstances. Highlighting the severity of the crisis, a local resident said, “This is one of the worst situations we are currently experiencing. The entire area is submerged in water.” As flooding continues to affect Sorada and surrounding villages, the focus remains on rescue efforts and the situation facing people trapped by the rising waters.