Malkangiri district has experienced intense rainfall, leading to its isolation from the mainland.

Malkangiri: 9/9/24:Over the last 24 hours, Malkangiri district has experienced intense rainfall, leading to its isolation from the mainland.

The water levels in the Pangam, Sileru, and Sabari rivers have risen sharply due to the downpour. The surge in the Poteru River’s water level has halted communication to areas such as Balimela, Chitrakonda, Poteru and Sukuma, with Poteru village being particularly affected—houses and shops are flooded, with damage to property and six feet of water inundating the roads.

Landslides have blocked traffic at Chitrakonda ghat and caused a culvert collapse on the road to Muriapali in Jharapali block, disrupting connectivity. Agricultural fields in Doraguda and Tatmanguda villages under Chitrakonda block are ruined due to the flooding.

In 24 hours, the district recorded 253 mm of rainfall in Malkangari block, 150 mm in Mathil, 27 mm in Khairput, 225 mm in Chitrakonda, 200 mm in Korukonda, 127 mm in Kalimela, and 98 mm in Padia block, totalling 1250 mm district-wide.

The flooding has also impacted Malkangari Headquarters, with four feet of water on the main road leading to significant damage to shops. The MV7 bridge area is submerged under seven feet of water, causing extensive damage to homes in the vicinity.

Families affected by the floods are being sheltered and provided with food by the authorities. The district administration has instructed vigilance officers, tehsildars, panchayat PEOs, and revenue inspectors to remain alert and ensure food availability at the shelters. Emergency services, including firefighters and ODRAF teams, are on standby.