Continuous heavy rainfall over the past two days has thrown life out of gear in Debagada district, leaving two people dead and several villages cut off.
According to reports, an eight‑year‑old boy, Riyan Kulu, died after a weakened mud wall collapsed on him in Ambaghat village under Reamal police limits. In another incident, 65‑year‑old farmer Purna Chandra Apat was swept away while crossing a swollen stream in Madalia village under Barkote police limits. His body was recovered nearly two kilometres downstream by Fire Service personnel on Wednesday morning.
The rains also washed away a temporary wooden bridge in Desinkuli village, isolating residents from the outside world. Villagers said repeated appeals for a permanent bridge had gone unanswered, forcing them to rely on makeshift structures.
Floodwaters have inundated roads, Anganwadi centres, and school premises, making it difficult for students to attend classes. Complaints of leaking roofs have also surfaced. In response, the district administration declared a holiday for all schools, including government, aided, private, Kendriya Vidyalayas, Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalayas, and Odisha Adarsha Vidyalayas.
Meanwhile, water levels in rivers and streams across the district have risen sharply, with the Gahira Dam authorities opening one gate to release excess inflow. At Pradhanpat waterfall, heavy water flow has drawn crowds of onlookers despite warnings.
Officials said rescue and relief measures are being closely monitored, with priority on restoring connectivity and ensuring safety in flood‑hit villages.
