Continuous heavy rainfall under a persistent low-pressure system has triggered a looming flood crisis in Sundargarh district’s Koida region, severely affecting normal life and isolating multiple villages.
With rain lashing the area for three consecutive days, the Brahmani river has swollen dangerously, submerging low-lying villages and key bridges. The Soyamba bridge is now under nearly two feet of water, leading to a complete suspension of connectivity between Soyamba and Relhatu panchayats. Authorities have restricted movement across the bridge due to strong currents, raising concerns of accidents.
Flood-prone villages such as Lalei, Tanjoda, and others along the Brahmani’s banks are on high alert. Locals report the annual recurrence of damage and property loss due to floods, with the Siajod bridge near Banei once again submerged and considered hazardous due to past incidents of vehicles being swept away.
A resident observed, “This happens every year. The river swells, the bridges get submerged, and areas near the banks suffer. It’s been two weeks now with this threat hanging over us.”
The administration has advised residents to avoid flooded routes and remain cautious, especially as more rain is expected in the coming days. Emergency response teams are on standby, and monitoring efforts have been intensified to respond swiftly to any worsening of the situation.
