Landslide Blocks Ghat Road In Odisha’s Gajapati As Heavy Rain Continues

Gajapati, Sept. 23 (UDN): A landslide triggered by incessant rain disrupted vehicular movement on the Paribeta Ghat road in R. Udayagiri block of Odisha’s Gajapati district on Wednesday after a large rock rolled down the hillside and fell onto the roadway.

The sudden obstruction affected the road connecting R. Udayagiri with three panchayats in Nuagada block, including Sambalpur panchayat. The stretch is regularly used by local residents and commuters.

JCB Deployed To Clear Debris

No injuries were reported in the incident, according to the available information.

After being alerted, the local administration reached the spot and deployed a JCB machine to remove the fallen rock and accumulated debris. Road clearance and restoration work are underway to reopen the affected portion for vehicular movement.

The continuing rainfall has raised concerns over the stability of the hilly stretch, where loose rocks and saturated slopes could create further obstructions if rain persists.

Officials are monitoring the area while efforts continue to clear the road and restore normal traffic movement.

IMD Issues Red Warning

The landslide occurred as Odisha remained under the influence of a Deep Depression over the Bay of Bengal, which is bringing heavy rainfall to several parts of the state.

In its midday bulletin, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) issued a Red Warning for Kalahandi, Nabarangpur, Koraput and Malkangiri, forecasting heavy to very heavy rainfall at several places, with extremely heavy rain possible at isolated locations until 8.30 am on September 24.

The weather agency also forecast thunderstorms accompanied by lightning and gusty surface winds reaching 50-60 kmph at isolated places in these districts.

With the weather system expected to affect southern Odisha, authorities are maintaining vigilance in vulnerable hilly and low-lying areas.

Residents and commuters using ghat roads have been advised to remain cautious as continued heavy rainfall could increase the risk of landslides and temporary road blockages.