Gajapati/ Kandhamal, Oct 30: Heavy rainfall triggered by Cyclone ‘Arnab’ has caused severe flooding and widespread damage across southern Odisha, particularly in Ganjam and Kandhamal districts. Continuous rain for more than 72 hours has disrupted normal life, submerged villages and agricultural fields, damaged roads and bridges, and triggered landslides.

Several areas, including Sanakhemundi, Digapahandi, Chikiti and Patrapur in Ganjam district, are facing a serious flood situation. Roads connecting several villages have been cut off, while floodwater has entered residential areas, leaving many people stranded.

The administration has launched rescue operations to evacuate people trapped in flood-hit areas.

Aska submerged, thousands stranded

Aska town in Ganjam district has been severely affected by the incessant rainfall. Several parts of the town have remained submerged since yesterday.

On Thursday, floodwater reportedly reached a height of around 12 feet in parts of the town. Although the water level has receded slightly, around 6–7 feet of water continues to inundate several areas.

Thousands of people remain stranded in flood-affected locations. Eight teams have been deployed to rescue stranded residents and distribute cooked and dry food.

Teams from the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), Odisha Disaster Rapid Action Force (ODRAF) and local fire services are conducting rescue operations.

Several villages in Aska block also remain surrounded by floodwater. The heavy rainfall has caused extensive damage to paddy fields and vegetable crops, leaving farmers worried about their losses.

Massive landslide in Kandhamal; 40 villagers affected

Kandhamal district has also witnessed severe damage following more than 72 hours of continuous rainfall.

G. Udayagiri recorded the highest rainfall in the district at 462.40 mm.

Heavy rain triggered landslides at several locations, while roads and bridges were damaged and agricultural land was submerged.

A major landslide occurred near Balingia village under Katingia Gram Panchayat in G. Udayagiri block. Large boulders, soil and uprooted trees came crashing down from the hillside, blocking the road and cutting off access to the village.

The impact of the landslide extended across nearly one kilometre, with deep pits measuring more than 200 feet reportedly formed at some locations.

Around 40 people from 12 families reside in Balingia village. The landslide blocked their access road, raising concerns over their safety and connectivity.

Additional District Magistrate Kushal Chandra Nayak, along with other administrative officials, visited the affected area to assess the situation. Fire service personnel also undertook efforts to evacuate the villagers safely.

Residents reportedly rushed out of their houses to save their lives as the landslide struck. Although they narrowly escaped a major disaster, water, mud and debris entered their homes, causing extensive damage.

Some chickens and goats were reportedly washed away or killed. Agricultural crops, including turmeric, paddy and other produce cultivated across several acres, have also suffered extensive damage.

Palashpur bridge collapses completely; Digapahandi-Aska connectivity snapped

In another major setback, the Palashpur bridge in Sanakhemundi block of Ganjam district has completely collapsed following the heavy flow of floodwater.

The bridge served as a crucial link between Digapahandi and Aska. Its collapse has completely disrupted road connectivity between the two areas.

According to reports, floodwater was flowing over the bridge at a height of nearly 15 feet for the past three days. The structure reportedly collapsed completely after the water level receded.

The collapse is expected to severely affect the movement of people and daily activities in both areas.

With several villages still inundated, roads damaged and residents stranded, the focus remains on rescue operations, relief distribution and restoration of connectivity across the flood-hit districts.