Heavy rainfall has wreaked havoc across Malkangiri district, submerging key bridges and crippling transportation on National Highway 326.
The Kangurukonda and Kanyashram bridges have been inundated with water levels rising up to 4–5 feet, leading to a complete halt in vehicular movement between Malkangiri and Kalimela.
Since Monday evening, continuous downpour triggered by a low-pressure system over the Bay of Bengal has flooded the region. Hundreds of vehicles, including passenger buses returning from Hyderabad to various districts in Odisha, remain stranded on both sides of the Kangurukonda bridge.
According to district emergency sources, Malkangiri recorded an average of 37.77 mm rainfall in the last 24 hours. Block-wise rainfall includes:
- Malkangiri Block: 48.4 mm
- Mathili Block: 10 mm
- Khairput Block: 42 mm
- Korukonda Block: 35 mm
- Chitrakonda Block: 59 mm
- Kalimela Block: 52 mm
- Podia Block: 18 mm
The rising water levels in rivers, canals, and reservoirs have raised concerns of potential flooding in low-lying areas. District Collector Somesh Upadhyay has instructed BDOs and Tehsildars to remain alert and ensure preparedness for any emergency.
