By Tarani Sahu

Phulbani: In view of Cyclone Arnab, the Daringbadi Ghat stretch of National Highway-59 has been closed for three days till October 29 as a precautionary measure amid continuous rain and the risk of landslides.

The road near Gazalbadi village, ahead of the ghat section, was sealed by the Kandhamal and Ganjam district administrations to prevent accidents and ensure public safety.

On the Ganjam side, the Sorada administration, led by the tehsildar and IIC, sealed NH-59 at Gazalbadi to stop vehicles heading towards Daringbadi. On the Kandhamal side, the Daringbadi administration blocked the road at Baimela check gate to prevent traffic towards Ganjam.

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Daringbadi BDO Preeti Ranjan Rath, Tehsildar Dhiraj Patra and IIC Sangram Keshari Jena visited the spot. Officials said the ghat stretch is vulnerable to landslides, soil erosion and falling debris during heavy rain. Heavy vehicles have been stranded midway on the route in the past.

Vehicular movement will remain suspended till October 29, and commuters have been advised to avoid the route. Vehicles travelling to Berhampur will have to take the longer Brahmanigaon-Mohana route.

The closure has disrupted daily life in Daringbadi, affecting vegetable supplies, bus services and medical trips to Berhampur. Residents needing to travel are being forced to hire vehicles at high costs.