Heavy rain under the influence of Cyclone Arnab has led to flash floods, landslides and waterlogging in several parts of Gajapati district. Roads have been blocked, rainwater has entered houses and trees have been uprooted in different areas.Floodwater from the hills rushed around a Shiva temple near Randiba village in R Udayagiri block, rising to the height of the temple. Water from the Mahendragiri hills is also flowing into the surrounding areas, affecting road connectivity.A landslide blocked a road in the district on Wednesday night. In Paralakhemundi, rainwater has entered Wards 15 and 16, affecting residential areas.People living in hilly areas have also been affected, with water entering houses and trees being uprooted. Some houses have collapsed in Lailai panchayat.The administration had alerted residents of low-lying areas in Kashinagar over the risk of rising floodwater and opened cyclone shelters for people in vulnerable areas.Rayagada block was also placed on alert because of the risk of landslides. Around 16,000 people have been shifted to cyclone shelters in view of the threat.The Guma area also faces a risk of landslides if the rain continues.Minister To Visit Affected Areas.Minister Suryabanshi Suraj visited R Udayagiri on Wednesday to assess the situation. He is scheduled to visit Kashinagar and Guma blocks on Thursday to review the impact of the rain and the arrangements made by the administration.With heavy rain affecting several parts of the district, the immediate concerns remain flooding in low-lying areas and landslides in hilly regions.
Cyclone Arnab impact: Flash floods, landslides hit Gajapati as heavy rain continues
