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A fresh flood situation erupted in Odisha's Kendrapara district raised concerns where around 400 students were left stranded at a government-run residential
school after floodwater entered the campus. The school is located in Kulasahi village under Penthapala Gram Panchayat in Pattamundai block. The institution is situated in a low-lying area and houses around 400 Scheduled Caste and Scheduled Tribe students. Among them are nearly 150 girls.
Situation Turns Serious
On Sunday, the situation turned serious after floodwater entered the school premises. Several low-lying areas of Kendrapara have also reported fresh flooding as the Brahmani River continues to flow above the danger mark.
According to officials, the district had witnessed a flood situation barely a fortnight ago, and the latest rise in the river water has once again raised concerns among residents living in vulnerable areas.
Evacuation Launched, Motor Boats Pressed Into Action
With the girl students staying on the ground floor of the two-storey school building, the local administration has started an evacuation operation. The girls are being shifted to another residential school in Aul for their safety.
Motorised boats have been pressed into service to carry out the evacuation. Officials and rescue teams are closely monitoring the situation as water levels continue to rise.
Pattamundai Block Development Officer Sheetal Agarwal said that around 250 boys, who are staying on the first floor of the school building, are comparatively safe at present. However, they are being kept under close observation.
Officials have also made it clear that if the flood situation worsens, the boys will be evacuated to a safer location without delay.
The administration has kept rescue and evacuation arrangements ready and is maintaining a close watch on the rising water level.
Meanwhile, the flooding has once again highlighted the vulnerability of low-lying areas in Kendrapara during the monsoon.
With the Brahmani River swelling and water entering residential and public premises, the safety of students and local residents remains the administration’s top priority.
For now, the focus remains on safely evacuating the 150 girls and ensuring that all 400 students remain protected as the flood situation develops.
