Low pressure induced heavy rain batters Odisha: Bridge on NH submerged in Malkangiri, landslides cut off key links

Incessant rain triggered by a low-pressure system has severely disrupted road connectivity in southern Odisha, with Malkangiri district bearing the brunt.

Reports stated that on Friday, the MV-96 bridge on National Highway-326 was submerged under 3 to 4 feet of water, cutting off transport between Malkangiri, Motu, and Jeypore. Being a national highway, the disruption also affected interstate movement to Andhra Pradesh and Chhattisgarh.

Transport Paralysed Across Malkangiri

The flooding of the MV-96 bridge brought traffic to a halt, severing Malkangiri’s vital road lifeline. Sources confirmed that vehicles, including passenger buses and trucks carrying essential goods, have been stuck since the early hours of Friday.

The disruption has raised concerns over the supply of daily necessities in the district, which is already vulnerable due to its remote location and difficult terrain.

Landslides in Koraput Compound Crisis

Meanwhile, the Koraput district has also been affected by the heavy downpour. Landslides triggered by continuous rainfall blocked the Bijaghati–Kerenga hill roads, obstructing connectivity between Damanjodi and Narayanpatna.

With mounds of mud and debris covering the road, vehicular movement in the hilly region has come to a standstill, leaving local commuters stranded. District authorities said clearance work is underway, though intermittent rain is slowing down the process.

IMD Warns of More Rain

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has attributed the intense rainfall to a low-pressure system lying over the west-central Bay of Bengal and adjoining north Andhra Pradesh–south Odisha coast. Under its influence, widespread heavy rain is predicted to continue across the state until August 16.

The regional weather office has issued an orange alert for the Koraput and Malkangiri districts, forecasting heavy to very heavy rainfall ranging between 7 and 20 cm. The remaining 28 districts have been placed under yellow alert. Gusty winds with speeds of 30–40 kmph may also accompany the showers. A statewide yellow alert has been issued for August 15 and 16.