Cyclone Impact / Cyclone Arnab aftermath: Landslides cut off villages in Odisha's Gajapati district, Harabhangi river swells

Paralakhemundi, Oct 29: Heavy rainfall triggered landslides, road blockages and flooding in Odisha's Gajapati and Kandhamal districts on Thursday, disrupting connectivity to several villages and damaging roads, sources said.

In Gajapati's Mohana block, landslides along the Balibad village road brought traffic to a halt after soil slipped from the hillside. Trees also fell across the road at several locations, cutting off Balibad and four other villages.

The situation has been aggravated by persistent rainfall over the past two days, which has caused rivers to swell and water to enter low-lying areas.

Ambulance caught in landslide in Gajapati
A landslide on the road between Badadeula and Gangabada in Rayagada block disrupted traffic after heavy rain caused soil and rocks to tumble down the hillside.

An ambulance travelling towards Gangabad was caught amid the debris while carrying a patient from Gangabada to Kainpur Primary Health Centre. The patient, however, reached the medical facility safely, a source informed.

Also Read: Rushikulya Crosses Danger Mark, Flood Threat Looms over Ganjam

Floodwater washes away road near Mohana
National Highway 326, which connects Mohana with Brahmapur (Ganjam), was also affected after floodwater washed away a stretch of road near Ledibandha, disrupting traffic between the two places.

In Mohana block, water entered riverside areas as the water level in the Harabhangi River rose following two days of continuous rainfall. Some riverside houses and the Indian Oil gas depot were also inundated, raising concerns over the supply of cooking gas to residents.


The administration has said it is monitoring the situation and will take steps to address people's difficulties.

Meanwhile, the Ram River near Mahendragarh was reported to be flowing around three feet above the crossing. R Udayagiri police team was keeping watch on both sides, the source added.

Landslides in Kandhamal
In Kandhamal district, continuous rainfall triggered a landslide in Balingia village under Katingia panchayat in G Udayagiri block. Soil slipped down the hillside, creating several streams of flowing water and causing concern among residents.

The administration reached the village and began planning to move people to safer locations.

Another landslide was reported in Kruhabada village under Manikeswar gram panchayat in Raikia block. Fire services personnel reached the area and began rescue operations.

Extremely heavy rainfall across southern Odisha
Several parts of southern Odisha have recorded exceptionally high rainfall over the past 24 hours under the influence of Cyclone Arnab.

Patrapur block in Ganjam district received 546 mm of rain, the highest among the locations listed. G Udayagiri block in Kandhamal recorded 462 mm, while Mohana block in Gajapati received 307 mm.