Rain Fury / Heavy Rain Triggers Waterlogging, Road Disruptions In Ganjam District

Brahmapur, Sep 25: Incessant rain over the past three days has swollen rivers, triggered waterlogging and disrupted road connectivity across several parts of Ganjam district, sources said on Friday.

The Baghua River -- a key tributary of Rushikulya river -- is among the major concerns, with water flowing strongly after three gates of the Baghua Dam were opened late Thursday night. An embankment of the river near Tankachhai village breached, sending water towards the main road connecting Kabisuryanagar and Hinjili and disrupting communication in the area, the sources informed.

Villagers have expressed concern that if the rain continues, floodwater could enter nearby habitations.

The Rushikulya, Badanadi and Baghua rivers have also recorded rising water levels amid the persistent rainfall.

Parts Of Brahmapur Waterlogged For Three Days
Several parts of Brahmapur Municipal Corporation have remained waterlogged for the past three days.

Kautuki Nagar, Bankeshari Nagar, Harihara Nagar and Shanti Nagar under Gosaninuagaon have been inundated. Low-lying areas including Brahmapalli, Braja Nagar and Srikhetra Vihar have also reported water accumulation of around knee height.

The prolonged rainfall has created an artificial flood-like situation in several low-lying parts of Ganjam district, disrupting normal life.

Roads Blocked, Power Supply Hit
Strong winds accompanying the rain have uprooted several large trees across Chhatrapur, Khallikote and Ganjam blocks, disrupting road movement.

A large tree reportedly fell on a transformer on the Talapada-Purushottampur road, bringing traffic to a halt. Another tree fell on NH-516 connecting Chhatrapur and Gopalpur. Fire Services personnel reached the spot and began clearing the road.

Traffic was also disrupted on State Highway-30 connecting Khallikote and Asika after a tree fell near Kanchana village.

At Mardaraj High School in Khallikote, a large tree inside the school premises fell on the boundary wall and electricity wires, causing minor damage to the wall.

The prolonged rain and strong winds have also affected power infrastructure, with electricity supply reportedly remaining disrupted for more than 24 hours in several areas after damage to grid and distribution lines.

Family Escapes As House Wall Collapses
In another rain-related incident, a side wall of the house of Duryodhan Parida in Bhakutidiha village under Khallikote block collapsed while the family was sleeping. The family members reportedly escaped unhurt.

Also Read: Flood Threat Looms Over Mayurbhanj as Budhabalanga Swells; Schools Closed, Woman Dies in Wall Collapse

Over 150 Acres Of Cropland Submerged
The prolonged rain has also affected agricultural land in Asika's Nalabanta area.

More than 100 acres of paddy fields have reportedly remained submerged for three days, while over 50 acres of vegetable cultivation have also been affected. Farmers who had borrowed money to cultivate their fields are now worried about crop losses as water continues to remain stagnant over the farmland.

1,600 Mm Rainfall Recorded Across Ganjam
According to the Ganjam district rainfall status report for September 25, the district recorded a cumulative 1,600 mm of rainfall, with an average of 64 mm across the listed stations in the last 24 hours.

Polasara recorded the highest rainfall at 99 mm, followed by BeMC Brajanagar at 96.6 mm and BeMC Gandhinagar at 94 mm. Other significant rainfall figures included 87.4 mm at Patrapur, 83 mm at Sheragada, 80 mm at Digapahandi, 79 mm at Kukudakhandi and Buguda, and 78.6 mm at Chikiti.