Berhampur, Oct 29: Continuous heavy rainfall triggered by Cyclone Arnab has caused flooding in several parts of Odisha’s Ganjam district, disrupting road connectivity and affecting low-lying villages.

The Rushikulya river has crossed the danger mark at Purushottampur. Against the danger level of 16.835 metres, the water level has risen to 17.500 metres. As a result, the road connecting Tankachhai and Hinjilicut has been submerged under nearly three feet of water. Several villages are also witnessing knee-deep flooding.

Sorada is among the worst-affected areas, with heavy to extremely heavy rainfall reported over the past three days. Rising water levels in the Rushikulya river have inundated Palakatu, Nuagaon, Tatabali and Suramani villages, disrupting road connectivity.

The situation has also worsened in Sanakhemundi and Digapahandi due to the swelling of the Ghodahada river. Floodwater is flowing around five feet above the Ghodahada bridge near Palaspur, cutting off the Digapahandi-Aska road, which is part of National Highway 326. Vehicles have been stranded on both sides of the road.

Police have reached the spot and placed barricades near the bridge to prevent people from crossing the flooded stretch. Commuters have been warned against attempting to cross the bridge.

Meanwhile, the district administration has begun evacuating people from low-lying areas to safer locations. Residents have been advised to stay away from rivers and avoid travelling through flooded roads.

Cyclone Arnab crossed the Andhra Pradesh-Yanam coast with sustained wind speeds of 125-135 kmph and gusts reaching 150 kmph. Although it weakened into a deep depression before moving towards Chhattisgarh, the weather system continued to bring heavy to extremely heavy rainfall to southern Odisha.