Normal life in Nuapada district has been completely disrupted due to continuous low-pressure rains. Many roads, culverts and rural roads have been submerged in the heavy rains that have been continuing since last night, while traffic has been completely disrupted in many areas. The highest rainfall in the district has been recorded in Nuapada block. Since last night, 164.8 mm of rainfall has been recorded in Nuapada block, 130.0 mm in Komna, 117.0 mm in Boden block and 75.0 mm in Sinapali.
As rainwater is flowing at a height of about 3 feet over a culvert on the Nuapada-Bhera road, the connection of Bhera village with the district headquarters has been cut off. Traffic has been disrupted due to 3 feet of water rising over the Sarabang-Amanar bridge. The new bridge is half-built, demand for its construction soon. Similarly, the Dedenga-Suklimundi raw road under Lakhana panchayat of Komna block has been washed away by the rain, creating a 4-foot deep and 5-foot wide ditch. The Suabahal road of Mundpala panchayat has also been washed away, disrupting the movement of villagers.
The most critical situation is near the Lakhana railway underbridge in Komna block. The water level under the underbridge has reached about 8 feet, completely stopping the movement of four-wheeled vehicles. As a result, direct communication between Nuapada and Lakhana has been disrupted, forcing people to travel on long alternate routes. Keeping in view the situation, District Magistrate Madhusudan Das has declared a holiday for all government and private schools in the district today. Students have been advised to stay safe at home, while anganwadi centers have been ordered to be closed by 11 am. The Meteorological Department has predicted that the rain will continue for the next few days.
Meanwhile, locals have expressed their dissatisfaction over the failure of the Sambalpur Railway Division to permanently resolve the problem of waterlogging at the Lakhana Railway Underbridge every year. Despite repeated demands, there is no permanent solution, so they have to face such a problem every year during the rainy season, the villagers said. They have also demanded that the railway gates be opened for water drainage. The district administration is reportedly monitoring the situation closely and taking all necessary precautionary measures.
Nuapada Rain Alert: Roads Cut Off, Heavy Damage, Schools Shut
