Incessant Rains Wreak Havoc in Rayagada, Rail and Road Links Hit
Rayagada: Heavy rainfall under the influence of a low-pressure system has disrupted life in Rayagada district, triggering landslides, house collapses, and road blockages.
Near the Majhighariani temple, boulders fell on the railway track following a landslide, damaging the line and halting train movement. Authorities have diverted traffic to a single line, while DRM Amitabh Singhal and senior officials supervised restoration work.
In Pipalaguda Panchayat, a house collapsed at Tikarpada village, though no injuries were reported. Landslides also blocked PMGSY roads, while in Gunupur block the Titimiri–Bhimapuruguda road was washed away, cutting off villages. Putasing Girls’ Hostel suffered heavy damage, while uprooted trees blocked roads in several areas.
Collector Ashutosh Kulkarni has asked Sub-Collectors and Tehsildars to monitor the situation and provide relief, appealing to villagers in kutcha houses to shift to safer places. The downpour has also dampened festive mood, forcing cancellation of several Ravana effigy burnings on Dussehra.
Reported by Gouri Shankar Pattnaik
