Communication affected in Kalahandi & Kandhamal following heavy rains

Kandhamal: Incessant rains triggered by low pressure over northwest Bay of Bengal since last week has disrupted road communication in Kalahandi and Kandhamal districts of the state.

An approach road near Kantesi on NH- 26 in Kalahandi district was washed away due to heavy rains last night leading to snapping of vehicular traffic between Bolangir and Bhawanipatna.

Hundreds of vehicles remained stranded on both sides of the road due to the damaged road. Unaware of the breach, a truck plying on the road fell into the gap last night. A JCB engaged at the site was trying to pull out the truck when reports last came in.

While small vehicles were diverted to Madanpur-Rampur road, those en route to Nabarangpur, Rayagada and Malkangiri stood waiting. As per reports, the Tehsildar and Block Development Officer (BDO) have rushed to the spot to take stock of the situation.

In Kandhamal, vehicles had to remain stranded on NH-59 for several hours after a temporary bridge at Sitapadi under Baliguda in the district got washed away following incessant rain.

#WATCH: Vehicular movement on NH-59 disrupted as heavy rain washes away temporary bridge near Sitapadi in #Kandhamal district #Odishapic.twitter.com/Dt61W2kGFQ

— OTV (@otvnews) August 14, 2018

The vehicular movement on the route was restored after district administration authorities swung into action and repaired the bridge.