Kendrapara: The flood situation in several parts of Pattamundai block in Odisha’s Kendrapara district remains grim, with families continuing to remain trapped inside waterlogged homes for several days. Rising floodwater has surrounded residential areas, leaving many people struggling to carry out basic activities such as cooking, sleeping and moving outside their houses.
In several affected locations, water has reached knee-to-chest levels around homes, forcing residents to find temporary ways to stay above the inundation. Families have reportedly moved onto raised platforms inside their houses as they wait for the floodwater to recede.
The prolonged flooding has created serious difficulties for residents, particularly those who have been unable to leave their homes for days. With roads and surrounding areas submerged, access to essential supplies has also become a major concern.
Families Forced to Survive on Dry Food
For many flood-affected households, arranging regular meals has become extremely difficult. Residents said they have been relying on whatever dry food is available at home as cooking facilities remain inaccessible because of the water.
Fakir Jena, a resident of the affected area, described the situation as extremely difficult for his family. He said the floodwater has risen to chest and knee levels around their home, making it impossible to carry out normal household activities.
According to him, the family has been surviving on flattened rice as they are unable to cook properly. The prolonged waterlogging has left residents with very limited options for arranging food and other essential items.
Snake Threat Adds to Residents’ Problems
The flood has also increased the risk of encounters with snakes and other animals. Residents said the danger becomes more serious after dark when visibility is poor and floodwater surrounds their homes.
Jena said families are finding it difficult to sleep at night because of the presence of snakes in and around the affected houses. He also claimed that crocodiles have been spotted in the flooded surroundings, adding another layer of fear for people already struggling with the inundation.
For families with children and elderly members, remaining inside partially flooded houses for extended periods has become particularly challenging.
Residents Await Evacuation and Relief
With floodwater showing little sign of immediate relief, affected families are hoping that authorities will arrange evacuation and provide essential relief materials. Many residents remain confined to their homes because travelling through the submerged areas is difficult and potentially dangerous.
The situation in Pattamundai highlights the continuing difficulties faced by communities in several flood-affected parts of Odisha, where prolonged inundation has disrupted food supplies, shelter, sanitation and everyday life.
As residents wait for water levels to fall, the immediate priorities remain ensuring access to food and drinking water, providing safe shelter and evacuating families from areas where remaining inside flooded homes poses a serious risk.
