Brahmapur: Flooding in the Ghodahada River following heavy rainfall triggered by Cyclone Arnab in upstream Gajapati district has disrupted road communication and inundated villages in Ganjam district, leaving residents stranded and causing extensive damage to agricultural fields.
Cyclone Arnab crossed the Andhra Pradesh–Yanam coast with maximum sustained wind speeds of 125 to 135 kmph, gusting up to 150 kmph. Although the system began to weaken into a severe cyclonic storm before tracking toward Chhattisgarh, it continued to lash southern Odisha with relentless heavy to extremely heavy rainfall. Heavy downpours battered several regions over a 24-hour period ending at 8.30 this morning, led by Pattangi in Koraput (188 mm) and Mohana in Gajapati (182.4 mm). Ganjam block received 161.4 mm followed by Chhatrapur (154.6 mm), and Similiguda (143.1 mm).
According to sources, floodwater rose about four feet above the Patapur–Palashpur bridge in Ganjam district around 3 pm on Wednesday, severing connectivity between Asika, Patapur and Digapahandi along National Highway 326. Patapur police erected barricades on both sides of the bridge, prohibiting movement of vehicles and people.
The situation is equally alarming in other areas. A temporary approach road connecting Old Malabhanja and Kholadi was completely washed away as water surged beneath the bridge. Floodwater from Ghusuri Nala entered Malabhanja village, leaving residents stranded, while nearly four feet of water reportedly accumulated inside the village school.
The Khuludi–Nuagad road near Harina village was also washed away, disrupting communication.
In the second Dharmapur village under Kalarapadar panchayat near Gautami, all agricultural fields were submerged, causing extensive crop damage. Patharapunji and Jalamara villages under Sanakhemundi block were also affected by floodwater.
CPI Sanakhemundi zonal secretary Kailash Patra expressed concern over the plight of villagers, stating that people were facing severe hardship as water entered residential areas. Public resentment mounted as no administrative officials had reportedly reached the affected areas by Wednesday evening.
Meanwhile, residents of Usta village remained apprehensive as floodwater reached the riverbank embankment, raising fears of further inundation.
The flood situation has also brought renewed attention to the delay in constructing a bridge near Shmashan Pada, close to Patapur. The project, reportedly involving Rs 15 crore, has remained incomplete for nearly two years, with construction apparently limited to three bridge spans.
With roads washed away, bridges submerged and villages inundated, the rising Ghodahada River has disrupted normal life across several parts of the region.
In a separate advisory, Gajapati police cautioned commuters about rising water levels near the Ledabandha Bridge on the Luhagudi-Mohana road. To ensure public safety, barricades have been erected near the bridge, and traffic is being redirected via the Chandiput route. People have been advised to avoid the waterlogged stretches and cooperate with personnel deployed at the spots.