Paralakhemundi,(Tarini Prasad Panda): Forty-eight hours after floodwaters first surged over a canal bridge near Jangalpadu, the situation remains unchanged, leaving more than 20,000 people across five gram panchayats virtually cut off from the outside world. The bridge, a vital link for several villages in Gosani block, continues to remain submerged under nearly two feet of water following three days of incessant rain triggered by Cyclone Arnab.
The floodwater began flowing over the bridge from Thursday noon, September 24, when the water level reportedly rose to nearly four feet. Though the level has receded, about two feet of water was still flowing over the bridge on Saturday, forcing authorities and commuters to suspend movement along the route.
The prolonged inundation has severely affected transportation and communication for residents dependent on the road for their daily needs. With the main access route remaining under water, people are facing difficulties in travelling to nearby areas for essential services.
Villages including Bapujipentha, Baghashala, Bhinala, Bada Gram, Kamadhenu, Yubarajpur and Mandaladei, along with several other habitations, have been virtually cut off due to the continuing floodwaters.
Residents have been facing considerable hardship as the vital road link remains unusable. The continued inundation has raised concerns over the restoration of normal communication such as rainfall and waterlogging persist in the region.
