Torrential Rains Disrupt Life in Southern Odisha; Malkangiri, Gajapati Worst Hit

Bhubaneswar: Heavy downpour in southern Odisha has triggered severe disruption, with Malkangiri facing a flood-like situation and road connectivity in Gajapati coming to a standstill. The continuous rains have left residents struggling with blocked routes and rising water levels.

In Malkangiri, the Jhapra Bridge in Sukma district of neighbouring Chhattisgarh has been submerged under three to four feet of water, completely cutting off road links between the two districts. Vehicles remain stranded on either side of the bridge, causing major inconvenience to commuters and transporters.

Gajapati district has also been badly affected. A massive tree collapse on National Highway 326 near Mandimera village in Mohana block brought traffic to a halt. The highway, which serves as a vital link between Asika in Odisha and Chinturu Road in Andhra Pradesh, was cleared only after a Fire Services team from Mohana rushed to the spot. Traffic has since resumed but remains slow.

Meanwhile, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a Red Warning for Malkangiri, predicting extremely heavy rainfall accompanied by lightning and wind speeds of 30–40 km/h. Gajapati district has been placed under an Orange Warning, with forecasts of heavy to very heavy showers.

District administrations have urged people to stay indoors, avoid unnecessary travel, and follow official safety advisories as the situation continues to remain tense.