Continuous low-pressure-induced rainfall has thrown life out of gear across Nuapada district. Since last night, heavy showers have inundated roads, culverts, and village pathways, cutting off several areas.
The Nuapada–Bhera road has been severely affected as three feet of rainwater gushed over a culvert, isolating Bhera village from the district headquarters. Similarly, in Lakhana panchayat, the mud road connecting Dedenga and Suklimundi villages has been washed away, leaving a four-foot-deep, five-foot-wide trench that has disrupted movement. In Mundapala panchayat, the Suabahal road has caved in, further disconnecting villages.
Adding to the woes, eight feet of water has accumulated under the Lakhana Railway Underbridge in Komna block, halting vehicular traffic and cutting off Nuapada from Lakhana. Four-wheelers are unable to pass, forcing commuters to take long detours via Baragarh and Balangir.
District Collector Madhusudan Das has declared holidays for all government and private schools, urging students to remain safe at home. Anganwadi centres have been directed to close by 11 AM. The Meteorological Department has forecast continued rainfall in the coming days.
Local residents have expressed anger at the Sambalpur Railway Division for failing to address the recurring waterlogging problem under the Lakhana underbridge. Despite repeated complaints, no permanent solution has been implemented. Villagers have urged authorities to open the railway gate to prevent annual flooding during monsoon.
The district administration has assured close monitoring and precautionary measures as rainfall persists.
