Malkangiri, Sept. 24 (UDN): A landslide triggered by incessant rainfall in Odisha’s Malkangiri district has severed road connectivity to around 18 villages after a stretch of Bayapada Ghat was buried under mud and debris, officials said on Thursday.
Representational Image
The landslide, caused by the ongoing spell of heavy rain under the influence of a deep depression, blocked the ghat road and disrupted vehicular movement, prompting the district administration to launch an emergency clearance operation.
Bayapada Ghat Closed After Landslide
According to officials, soil and rocks slid onto the roadway at Bayapada Ghat, making the route unsafe for traffic. Earthmoving equipment has been deployed to clear the debris and restore connectivity to the affected villages.
As a precautionary measure, the administration has also suspended movement through Chitrakonda Ghat, restricting traffic from both sides until conditions improve.
NH-326 Connectivity Severely Hit
The landslide comes as continuous rainfall has crippled transport across Malkangiri. Rising water from nearby hills has submerged several bridges on National Highway-326, a key route connecting the district with Motu and Kalimela.
The Poteru and Kankurukonda bridges have been inundated, with floodwater flowing nearly two to three feet above their surfaces. Hundreds of vehicles have been stranded on both sides, disrupting the movement of commuters and goods.
Administration on High Alert
District authorities are closely monitoring vulnerable roads, ghat sections and bridges as more rainfall is forecast. Restoration work is expected to continue once weather conditions permit safe operations.
Residents have been advised to avoid travelling through landslide-prone stretches and follow official advisories until normal connectivity is restored.
