Odisha is reeling under the impact of relentless monsoon rains, which have washed away the Tetalkhuti culvert in Nuapada district’s Sunabeda Wildlife Sanctuary. The collapse has severed critical rural connectivity between villages like Sunabeda and Gatibeda in Komna block, leaving residents stranded with no alternate routes available. Restoration work is yet to begin, raising concerns over emergency access in the flood-hit zone.
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued multiple weather alerts, predicting continued downpours across the state. Red alerts are in place for Mayurbhanj and Keonjhar, while orange alerts have been issued for Koraput and Malkangiri. Additionally, 20 districts are under yellow warnings, with forecasts of thunderstorms, lightning, and strong winds.
Other districts are facing similar rain-related destruction. In Mayurbhanj, the Jamughat bridge was submerged, cutting off the Udala–Balasore route. In Jharsuguda, roads near the Baghadihi bridge were washed away, prompting police deployment. Kandhamal’s Gumadi River floodwaters have also destroyed a vital diversion bridge near Baliguda, isolating Daringbadi villages.
With multiple regions affected, the Odisha state administration has placed all districts on high alert. Emergency teams are being mobilized, and preventive measures are underway in landslide- and flood-prone areas.
