Malkangiri, Sept. 24 (UDN): Road communication was disrupted in Odisha’s Malkangiri district on Thursday after a landslide blocked a stretch of road at Bayapada Ghat, cutting off connectivity to around 18 villages.
Heavy rain triggered by the deep depression over the region has caused mud, soil and debris to slide onto the road, affecting vehicular movement through the ghat.
Clearance Operation Underway
Following the disruption, the district administration launched a road clearance operation to remove the accumulated soil and debris and restore connectivity.
Authorities have also restricted movement through Chitrakonda Ghat as a precautionary measure, with vehicular traffic stopped from both sides.
The latest disruption comes amid persistent heavy rainfall in Malkangiri, where several roads and bridges have already been affected by rising water levels.
NH-326 Connectivity Hit
Rainwater flowing down from the surrounding hills has inundated bridges along National Highway 326. The Poteru and Kankurukonda bridges have been submerged, with water reportedly flowing two to three feet above the bridge surfaces.
The flooding has severely affected traffic movement along the NH-326 corridor, leaving hundreds of vehicles stranded on both sides.
The disruption has affected connectivity between Malkangiri and areas including Motu and Kalimela, adding to the transport difficulties caused by the ongoing spell of heavy rain.
With more rainfall expected under the influence of the deep depression, authorities are maintaining a close watch on vulnerable roads, ghats and bridges across the district.
