Malkangiri district in Odisha is reeling under the impact of continuous rainfall over the past two days, triggered by a low-pressure system.
The downpour has led to swelling of rivers and streams, causing severe flooding across several regions.
One of the worst-hit areas is the MV-96 bridge on National Highway 326 near Kalimela, which has been submerged under 2 to 3 feet of water since early Saturday morning. As a result, vehicular movement between Kalimela and Malkangiri has come to a complete standstill, leaving hundreds of vehicles stranded on both sides of the highway.
The disruption has not only affected daily commuters but also impacted the weekly market at MV-88 village. Market-bound vehicles, including goods carriers and passenger vans, remain stuck due to the inundation. Local residents have been facing immense hardship since Friday night, with no alternative routes available.
Despite construction of a higher bridge being initiated four years ago to replace the low-lying MV-96 structure, the work remains incomplete. Consequently, the bridge continues to flood annually during the monsoon season, cutting off vital connectivity.
Police teams led by MV-79 Station Officer Chandrakant Tandi have been deployed to ensure public safety and manage the situation. Officials report that even though rainfall in Kalimela itself has been moderate, heavy showers upstream have caused water levels to rise rapidly.
Connectivity between Kalimela and neighbouring regions such as Maharajpalli, MV-88, MPV-81, and MV-79 has also been severed, isolating large parts of the district. Authorities are monitoring the situation closely and have urged residents to avoid travel until conditions improve.
