Argus News - Bridges Washed Out, Roads Cut Off As Relentless Rain Lash Southern Odisha

Bhubaneswar, Oct 3: Southern Odisha is grappling with a severe crisis as continuous heavy rainfall has triggered floods, landslides, and widespread disruption across Gajapati and Ganjam districts.

Gajapati district was among the worst affected.

A tragic landslide struck near Peket village in the Rayagada block, where a father-son duo—Kartik Sabar and his son Rajik Sabar—are feared trapped beneath the debris.

The landslide has severed connectivity between Rayagada and the blocks of Nuagada and R. Udayagiri.

Since then, rescue operations are underway with the fire department and district administration working tirelessly to clear the debris and restore access.

According to reports, continuous rainfall has also led to the opening of two gates of the Ghodahada Dam, raising flood concerns along the riverbanks.

Also read: Gajapati Landslide: Fire Team Pulls Pregnant Woman To Safety

The Bansadhara River at Kashinagar has breached the warning level of 54.10 meters, currently flowing at 54.32 meters, prompting fears of further flooding.

A temporary culvert over the Ghushuri canal in Khuludi-Nuagada Harina, under Maulabhanja Panchayat, has been washed away, halting all movement between Maulabhanja and Nuagada.

Though the landslide incident occurred in Gajapati’s Rayagada block, the broader Rayagada district is also facing heavy rainfall and rising river levels.

Emergency teams are working round the clock to clear debris and restore access to isolated regions.

The Bansadhara River has also breached the warning level due to the ongoing rainfall.

At Kashinagar, the water level has surpassed the warning mark of 54.10 meters, currently flowing at 54.32 meters. With rain continuing upstream, authorities anticipate the river may cross the danger mark by midnight.

Local administrations are on high alert, and emergency measures are being taken to mitigate the impact. Residents are urged to remain cautious and follow official advisories as the situation continues to evolve.