Ganjam, Sept. 23 (UDN): Vehicular movement along the Kalinga Ghat road on the Ganjam-Kandhamal border has been suspended for two days as heavy rainfall raised concerns over landslides along the vulnerable hill stretch.
The district administration has barricaded the ghat and restricted traffic as a precautionary measure in view of the possibility of intense rainfall and slope-related hazards.
The restriction will remain in place on Wednesday and Thursday, with commuters advised to use alternative routes until the road is declared safe for travel.
Road To Reopen After Safety Inspection
Officials said traffic will be restored only after the rainfall subsides and a technical team conducts an inspection of the ghat road.
The team will assess the condition of the road and surrounding slopes before the administration takes a final decision on reopening the route.
Kalinga Ghat has remained a vulnerable stretch in the region, particularly during periods of heavy rainfall, when landslides and falling rocks can pose risks to commuters.
Meanwhile, persistent rain has affected normal life in Bhanjanagar and adjoining areas of Ganjam.
Strong winds accompanying the weather also reportedly brought down a tree on the National Highway near Nidhia Palli, disrupting vehicular movement. The obstruction was cleared to restore traffic.
The administration has urged people living in low-lying areas to remain alert and take necessary precautions as the weather situation continues to evolve.
IMD Issues Red Warning For Four Odisha Districts
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a red warning for Kalahandi, Nabarangpur, Koraput and Malkangiri, forecasting heavy to very heavy rainfall at a few places, with extremely heavy rainfall possible at isolated locations until 8.30 am on September 24.
The weather office has also forecast thunderstorms accompanied by lightning and gusty surface winds reaching 50-60 kmph at one or two places in these districts.
With heavy rain expected to continue in parts of Odisha, authorities are maintaining close watch over vulnerable roads and other locations prone to landslides and weather-related disruptions.