Heavy rain triggers landslide in Malkangiri, inundates major areas

Incessant rain has triggered a landslide at Bayapada ghat in Malkangiri on Thursday affecting vehicular movement on the route, on Thursday.

More than 19 villages under Nakamamudi Gram Panchayat in the district have been alienated from the mainland as the only road connecting those villages have been blocked due to the landslide. More than 3,000 people have been stranded in those villages and they are facing lots of difficulties.

As per locals, the landslide occurred due to the negligence of the administration. Though the administration was aware of the situation at the ghat, no work was undertaken for the last two to three years causing the landslide.

Moreover, major areas in the district have been waterlogged due to the heavy rain continuing for the last three days. A flood-like situation has been created as large parts have been cut off due to water logging and submersion of roads.

Road communication from the district headquarters town of Malkangiri to Balimela, Kalimela and Motu towns has been cut off as water is flowing over many bridges. Hundreds of vehicles have been stranded on both sides of the road along the National Highway.

With the Gora bridge under the water, communication to Andrapalli gram panchayat in Swabhiman Anchal has been affected.

With IMD forecasting more rain as the cyclonic circulation over northwest Bay of Bengal is likely to intensify into a low pressure area in the next 24 hours, the situation is going to worsen further.