Cyclone Montha batters southern Odisha: Landslide cuts off Gajapati-Ganjam road connectivity, NDRF deployed

A major landslide triggered by continuous rain under the impact of Cyclone Montha and its remnants has severely disrupted road connectivity in Gajapati district, isolating several villages near R. Udayagiri block.

According to reports, large boulders and mud slid down from the Ramagiri–Badagaon Ghat, completely blocking the main road that connects Gajapati with the Ganjam district.

Landslide Blocks Key Route

Sources reported that after hours of intense rainfall last night, massive rocks rolled down the hillside and settled across the road, cutting off communication to five nearby villages. The collapse occurred between Ramagiri and Badagaon, a critical route that links hilly interior regions to district headquarters and essential services.

The Additional District Magistrate (ADM), Block Development Officer (BDO), and a team from the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) reached the spot to assess the situation and initiate clearance operations. As of Wednesday morning, heavy machinery and manpower have been deployed to remove the debris and restore connectivity.

“All disaster response teams are prepared. Two teams are already engaged in clearing the spot, with three more en route. All of them are technically prepared to blast through the fallen rocks and restore road connectivity,” said the ADM, Gajapati.

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Cyclone Montha’s Impact On Gajapati

The landslide followed a relentless downpour across Gajapati since Monday night, when Cyclone Montha intensified over the Bay of Bengal before crossing the Andhra coast. The R. Udayagiri and Mohana blocks were among the hardest hit, witnessing heavy overnight rain accompanied by thunder and gusty winds.

Reports from Mohana block indicated minor structural damage in low-lying and hilly villages. A mud-walled house collapsed during the heavy rain, injuring one occupant, while another villager lost his tin-roofed home after it was blown away by strong winds.

As of the latest update, the NDRF and local administration continue to clear debris at the Badagaon Ghat stretch to restore access between Gajapati and Ganjam, while relief efforts remain underway for the affected villages.