Berhampur, Oct 30: As floodwaters engulf villages, submerge roads and inundate homes, an emotional scene is unfolding along the banks of the Rushikulya River in Odisha’s Ganjam district. With the river swelling dangerously, residents of Brahmanachhai village in Sheragada block have turned to prayers, seeking divine intervention to save their homes from the rising waters.

Amid the sound of temple bells, devotional chants and cries of Haribol, villagers are performing rituals and breaking coconuts along the riverbank, praying to Mother Rushikulya to spare their village. The unusual sight reflects the helplessness of communities confronting nature’s fury.

Cyclone Arnab has triggered widespread flooding across Ganjam, with the Rushikulya and Nandini rivers overflowing. From Asika to Sheragada, Dharakote to Berhampur, several areas are battling severe inundation.

The Asika bus stand is underwater, while floodwaters have entered the Asika hospital, forcing authorities to shift patients from the ground floor to upper floors. National Highway 59 is submerged under nearly eight feet of water, disrupting connectivity between Asika and Berhampur, Sorada, Daringbadi and Bhanjanagar.

Several localities, including Palli Raghunath Nagar, Khambeswari Patana and Laxmi Bazaar, have also been inundated. Dharakote block has reportedly been cut off from the outside world, while Sheragada's main market area is submerged under nearly eight feet of water.

For villagers, the river that once sustained their lives has become a source of fear and uncertainty. While some await administrative assistance, others are holding on to faith.

Their prayers capture the desperation of people fighting to protect their homes and livelihoods. However, beyond faith and rituals, the unfolding crisis demands urgent rescue operations, relief supplies, medical assistance and effective safety measures.