Argus News - Torrential Rains Wreak Havoc Across Southern Odisha

Bhubaneswar, Oct 2: Southern Odisha is grappling with severe flooding and landslides as relentless rainfall triggered by a deep depression in the Bay of Bengal continues to lash the region, officials said on Thursday.

Several districts including Gajapati, Koraput, Rayagada, and Ganjam have been severely affected, with infrastructure damage, disrupted transport, and tragic human loss reported.

Gajapati District Worst Hit

In Gajapati, floodwaters swept away a bridge near Guruda village in Nuagada block, cutting off connectivity. Vehicles including a Bolero and a car were seen floating in the floodwaters. Mahendragada river overflowed with water levels rising five feet above the bridge, while the Berhampur-Paralakhemundi highway was submerged, halting traffic.

Landslide Tragedy in Rayagada

A landslide near Peket village in Rayagada block left a father-son duo missing. Kartik Shabar and his son Rajik Shabar are feared trapped under debris, with rescue efforts underway. The landslide has severed links between Rayagada, Nuagada, and Ramagiri blocks.

Infrastructure Collapse in Koraput and Ganjam

In Koraput, falling boulders near the railway track 12 km from the station disrupted train services. Temporary bridges on National Highways 326 and 26 were damaged, affecting travel to Semiliguda, Patangi, and Visakhapatnam. Ganjam district saw wooden bridges washed away and large trees blocking roads, further hampering movement.

Also Read: Heavy Rain Lashes Parts Of Odisha, Seven Districts On Red Alert

Damage in Coastal and Northern Districts

In Jagatsinghpur’s Balikuda market, a Durga Puja gate collapsed, injuring five people. Balasore city reported waterlogging in several areas including Loknath Mandir Colony and Bhaskarganj. Similarly, Nuapada’s Sinapali town saw water accumulation on main roads and alleys, causing hardship for residents.

IMD Issues Red Alert

The IMD has issued a red alert for seven districts—Puri, Ganjam, Gajapati, Rayagada, Koraput, Kalahandi, and Kandhamal—warning of extremely heavy rainfall over the next 24 hours. Orange and yellow alerts have been issued for 16 and 7 districts respectively. The deep depression is expected to cross the coast between Paradip and Gopalpur by tonight.