Tourists from Bhubaneswar & Cuttack stranded after heavy rain cuts off access in Gajapati

In an unusual incident, as many as 30 tourists were stranded at the historic Mahendragiri hills after rising water blocked the roads due to continuous rainfall in Gajapati district on Thursday.

As per reports, heavy rain triggered a landslide and mudslide, while gushing water swept across the route, cutting off access near Burukhat.

As a result, over 15 tourists have been trapped, unable to descend from the hills since the evening. All the tourists are reported to be from Cuttack and Bhubaneswar.

Upon being informed about the development, police personnel from the Garabandha police station and Forest Department officials reached the spot. Efforts were on to clear the road. The stranded tourists were provided with dry food by the Garabandha police.

Also Read: Over 100 stranded amid rough weather in Odisha's Chilika Lake

According to reports, the visitors are being sheltered at the Forest Department’s watchtower and cottages at Mahendragiri until the situation improves.

Meanwhile, over a hundred passengers, many of them tourists and locals, were stranded as boat services across Chilika Lake in Puri district came to a complete halt due to strong winds. As per reports, the passengers have been waiting for the situation to improve so that they could cross to the other side of the lake.