Sorada (Ganjam): Heavy rainfall triggered by Cyclone Arnab has caused widespread flooding across Odisha’s Ganjam district, with one death reported near Sorada, a bridge reportedly collapsing, villages inundated and road connectivity disrupted between several towns and rural areas.
The deceased has been identified as Pandav Nayak, aged around 26, who reportedly died near a spillway in Sorada. Official confirmation regarding the circumstances surrounding the incident is awaited.
The Adangi nadi bridge has reportedly collapsed after being battered by heavy floodwater, adding to the disruption of transport in the district. Road connectivity between Sorada and Aska, Badagada and Bhanjanagar has also been affected, with floodwater flowing over several connecting roads.
The situation has deteriorated in low-lying areas, with Nuagada village reportedly completely inundated. In Sheragada, floodwater has reached an estimated depth of 10 feet in the main market area, according to local updates.
The Ghodahada river, swollen by heavy rainfall in its catchment areas, has disrupted road connectivity near Hinjilicut. Authorities have temporarily closed the Aska–Berhampur route via Hinjilicut because floodwater is flowing over the road, making travel unsafe.
The flooding has also affected neighbouring areas, with heavy rain raising river levels and submerging roads in Ganjam and nearby districts. The Rushikulya river has crossed its danger mark at Purushottampur, while flooding has disrupted traffic on routes connecting Aska, Digapahandi and surrounding areas. The full extent of the damage is yet to be assessed.
Rescue teams are evacuating people from flood-affected locations and moving them to safer places. In Palakatu village under Sorada block, 15 people—including six men, three women and six children—were being shifted to the local panchayat building by a sub-team of the 8th Battalion based in Bhanjanagar.
The Odisha Disaster Rapid Action Force (ODRAF) has intensified its deployment in the affected region. Fifteen teams are being sent to Ganjam, while six teams are being arranged for Gajapati to support rescue and emergency response operations. The district administration is monitoring the situation as river levels rise and road access deteriorates.
Meanwhile, Odisha Minister Bibhuti Bhushan Jena visited cyclone-affected localities in Nilachal Nagar, Bramhapur, and directed officials to expedite the drainage of accumulated floodwater. Several neighbourhoods in the city have reported water entering homes, with Gajapati Nagar, Sakti Nagar and Nilachal Nagar among the affected localities.
With heavy rainfall continuing to affect parts of southern Odisha, rescue operations, evacuation efforts and the monitoring of rivers and vulnerable roads remain critical priorities for the administration.
