Cyclone Impact / Floods and Landslides Worsen Crisis in Gajapati amid Relentless Rain

Paralakhemundi, Oct 29: Continuous rainfall triggered by the remnants of Cyclone Arnab has severely impacted Odisha's Gajapati district, leading to flood-like conditions, landslides and widespread disruption of normal life.

Authorities are on high alert as rivers continue to swell and the weather office has forecast further heavy rainfall.

Heavy downpours over the last three days have caused water levels in several rivers and streams to rise sharply, while roads in many areas have been inundated. The situation has become particularly alarming as landslides have also been reported from hilly regions of the district.

Also read: Cyclone Arnab Weakens into Deep Depression, Odisha Braces for Heavy Rain

A major landslide occurred on the Kaipur-Gangabada main road following incessant rainfall. The collapse of a hillside has blocked the route, disrupting traffic movement.

Nearly 50 metres of the road stretch has been covered with mud and rocks, leaving commuters stranded and hampering connectivity.

Flood conditions have emerged in the district's two major rivers, the Bansadhara and Mahendratanaya. The Bansadhara River at Kashinagar is flowing above the danger mark, causing concern among residents living along its banks.

While the danger level is 54.60 metres, the river was recorded at 55.60 metres, prompting authorities to closely monitor the situation.

The swelling Mahendratanaya River has inundated Baghasala village under Gosani block, leaving large areas submerged. Floodwaters are also threatening to enter Paralakhemundi town as river levels continue to rise.

Officials fear the situation may deteriorate further as rainfall continues in the upper catchment areas. The administration is also keeping a close watch on water discharge from the Gotta Barrage in neighbouring Andhra Pradesh.

All 22 gates of the barrage have been opened, releasing around 48,676 cusecs of water every second.

According to district authorities, Gajapati recorded a cumulative rainfall of 1,357 mm in the last 24 hours. Mohana received the highest rainfall at 307 mm, followed by Rayagada (224 mm), R Udayagiri (175 mm), Nuagada (173 mm), Gumma (150 mm), Gosani (151 mm), Kashinagar (80 mm) and Paralakhemundi (106 mm).

To strengthen disaster response efforts, two additional ODRAF units, including reserve teams from Koraput and Rayagada, have been mobilised to Gajapati.

With their deployment, the district will have a total of six ODRAF teams, which will be strategically deployed by the district administration in vulnerable areas.