Bhubaneswar, Sept 25: Heavy rainfall across several parts of Odisha has triggered a fresh flood and waterlogging situation, with rising river levels, submerged bridges, blocked roads and coastal erosion reported from multiple districts.
Jalaka River Crosses Warning Level
The water level of the Jalaka River is rising steadily following incessant rain in its upper catchment areas of Mayurbhanj and across the Basta region.
At Mathani in Basta block, the warning level is 6 metres, while the danger mark is 6.50 metres. By 6 am, the river was flowing at 6.18 metres, above the warning level.
The repeated flooding of the Jalaka this year has already damaged thousands of hectares of farmland in Basta. If the river rises further, more than 10 panchayats in Basta and two panchayats in Balasore Sadar block could be affected.
Residents living close to the river remain apprehensive as the water level continues to rise.
Tree Falls Disrupt NH-516 in Ganjam
Strong winds and rain also disrupted road connectivity in Ganjam district. A huge tree fell on NH-516, blocking the road connecting Chhatrapur with Gopalpur.
Traffic movement towards Aryapalli, Gopalpur, IRE and other areas was disrupted after the tree fell, reportedly narrowly missing nearby houses and people.
Fire Services personnel reached the spot and began cutting and removing the tree. Clearing the road is expected to take around two hours. Authorities have also warned of the possibility of more trees falling in the area.
Four Kandhamal Blocks Shut Schools
In view of heavy rainfall, the Kandhamal district administration has ordered the closure of all government and private educational institutions for a day in G. Udayagiri, Chakapad, Daringbadi and Tikabali blocks.
However, teachers and other staff have been directed to remain present at their respective institutions.
Rain and strong winds continue in G. Udayagiri, where electricity supply has reportedly remained disrupted for around 18 hours. A large tree has blocked a road at Malikapadi, while fallen trees at Kalinga and Dugudi reportedly injured two people.
A tree has also fallen at Habak High School, while a road at Sujeli has been washed away.
Coastal Odisha Faces Erosion Threat
Rough sea conditions have intensified coastal concerns in several districts. Waves have reportedly crossed the shoreline at multiple locations between Kendrapara and Puri.
At Satabhaya in Kendrapara, the sea has reportedly advanced nearly 200 feet inland, damaging vegetation and a temple. The area around the Maa Panchubarahi temple has witnessed severe coastal erosion, with remnants of the earlier settlement gradually being claimed by the sea.
In Jagatsinghpur's Siali and Ramtara areas, waves have breached parts of the shoreline, creating an erosion stretch of around 100 feet. Sandbags placed along the coast have also been damaged.
The Paradip coast has also witnessed rough sea conditions, with seawater reportedly entering nearby villages.
In Brahmagiri, Puri, turbulent waves have swept away fishing boats. Fishermen from Arakhakuda, Mangal Sahi and Laxmi Narayan Sahi reportedly ventured into the rough waters to secure their boats.
Malkangiri Cut Off as Bridges Submerge
Torrential rainfall in Malkangiri district has caused rivers to swell rapidly, submerging several bridges and disrupting road communication.
Several key crossings have gone underwater, including:
Poteru Bridge: Around 2 feet of water over the bridge
Kangurukonda Bridge: Around 6–7 feet submerged
MV-96 Bridge: Around 3 feet underwater
MV-90 Gubile Bridge: Around 3–4 feet underwater
Kanya Ashram Bridge: Around 2–3 feet submerged
NH-326 near Poteru Nursery: Around 2 feet of water
As a result, movement along NH-326 has been severely disrupted, leaving trucks, trailers and passenger vehicles stranded.
Road connectivity to Kalimela and Podia blocks and several interior villages has also been affected. Paddy and sesame fields in low-lying areas have been inundated, raising concerns over crop losses.
Police personnel have been deployed near submerged bridges, while danger zones have been barricaded to prevent people from attempting to cross the fast-flowing water.
Six Rescued From Flooded Island in Mathili
In Mathili block, a family of six, including two children, two women and two men, was rescued after becoming stranded in floodwaters at Gangarajguma village.
The administration had earlier advised families living on the island-like area to move to cyclone shelters. While most families evacuated, this particular family initially remained at home.
As rainfall intensified and the river level rose, officials contacted the family and persuaded them to move to safety.
A Fire Services team, using a prepared power boat, reached the location and safely evacuated all six. The family members were provided life jackets, while the two children were carefully carried onto the boat.
Following the rescue, BDO Pramod Behera and PEO Ashok Maharana arranged rehabilitation support along with food and other essential supplies.
