Bhawanipatna: Heavy downpour across Kalahandi district especially in Thuamul Rampur block has paralysed normal life as road communication to interior areas has been disrupted. Vehicular communication between Junagarh and Dharmagarh, Bhawanipatna, Nabarangpur came to a standstill as water in Hati river has crossed bridge level due to incessant rain in upper catchment and release of surplus water from the reservoir.
Similarly, communication between Gunupur and Thuamul Rampur was severely affected as water crossed the bridge level on Nagabali river.
Several roads were washed away at different places bringing vehicular traffic to a grinding halt. Trees were uprooted at many places and several villages were inundated. Thuamul Rampur block is worst hit as a number of villages under the block were cut off. One person was killed due to a land slide at Chulibadi village in the district. Around 1200 people of Dakibandel village reportedly took shelter on a nearest hill as 5 ft water flowing in the village from a nearest nullah.
Collector Anjan Manik instructed all BDOs and tehsildars to remain alert for any possible eventuality. “Many roads were washed away in Kalampur area. Tehsildar and BDOs are monitoring the situation on the spot. We are well prepared to tackle any situation,” Manik said.
Meanwhile, weather department predicted more rain in Kalahandi and other neighbouring districts like Rayagada, Gajapati, Ganjam, Malkangiri and Nabarangpur and said it will continue till next three days. Water level in Rushikulya and Bansadhara may rise if rain continues, Met office said and advised the fishermen not to venture into sea during this time.