Heavy rain cuts off villages in Odisha's Sundargarh and Malkangiri

Several parts of Odisha remain inundated, as relentless rainfall and swelling rivers have snapped key road links, leaving villagers and commuters stranded.

In Sundargarh district, at least five villages are marooned after floodwaters submerged the Sarasara and Patang bridges near Balang in Bonai. With roads cut off, residents are unable to access schools, hospitals, or government offices. Locals say children have missed classes for days, and emergency medical access has become critical, with no vehicles able to cross the submerged bridges.

Residents expressed fear of crossing the bridge due to the strong current, recalling incidents from past floods where lives were lost. They also alleged inaction from authorities despite repeated appeals for a safer, elevated bridge, noting that neither local officials nor safety advisories have reached the affected areas.

Also Read: Fresh low pressure brewing over Bay of Bengal, rain to lash Odisha for next five days

Persistent Rain Adds To Woes

The situation is equally grim in Malkangiri, where continuous downpours since Monday have submerged bridges and disrupted connectivity between Malkangiri and Motu. On National Highway 326, the Kangurakonda bridge remains under 8 to 10 feet of water, bringing traffic to a standstill and stranding hundreds of vehicles on both sides.

With heavy to very heavy rainfall persisting, officials are monitoring rising water levels, but the restoration of road connectivity and delivery of relief services remain major challenges.