Cyclone Montha havoc: Drain water, sewage flood homes in Berhampur

More than 20 houses were inundated in Shanti Nagar Sixth Lane under Ward No. 2 of Berhampur Municipal Corporation after the drainage water and sewage overflowed into residential areas following continuous rain late last night, triggered by severe cyclonic storm Montha.

Sources reported that the seepage forced residents to spend the entire night in panic as ankle-deep to knee-deep filthy water entered their homes, damaging belongings and making movement impossible.

Reports stated that the affected locality is home to over 100 families. It reportedly witnessed severe waterlogging as the main drainage channels failed to discharge accumulated rainwater. Locals alleged that despite repeated complaints to civic authorities, the area’s drainage system remains clogged, turning even moderate rainfall into a flooding nightmare.

Residents Demand Immediate Drainage Clearance

Sources informed that the entire street was submerged by midnight, with rainwater mixed with drain overflow entering people’s courtyards and rooms. Some families shifted essential items to higher platforms and stayed awake till morning, fearing a further rise in water levels.

Locals alleged that the Berhampur municipality has seldom undertaken steps to clear the drains. They demanded that long-term desilting and widening of the drainage network be prioritised.

As of the last reports, no comments could be obtained from the Berhampur civic authorities in this regard.

ALSO READ: Severe cyclone Montha weakens into cyclonic storm over coastal Andhra Pradesh

Heavy Rain Under Cyclone Montha’s Influence

Meanwhile, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) has attributed the heavy rain over southern Odisha to the residual impact of Cyclone Montha, which made landfall near the Andhra Pradesh coast late Tuesday night.

A red alert remains in effect for Malkangiri, Koraput, Rayagada, Kalahandi, and Nabarangpur, while Gajapati, Kandhamal, Balangir, and Nuapada are under orange warning. Moderate rainfall is expected to continue across other districts, including Ganjam, where Berhampur is located.