Ganjam, Sept. 23 (UDN): Continuous rain accompanied by strong winds disrupted road connectivity at multiple locations in Odisha’s Ganjam district on Wednesday, with an uprooted tree blocking the Khallikote-Manapalli road and leaving several vehicles stranded.

A Mukhyamantri Bus travelling from Khallikote towards Narayani was among the vehicles affected after the tree fell across the road and brought traffic to a standstill.

Bus, Vehicles Stranded On Khallikote-Manapalli Road

The bus had departed from Khallikote in the morning and was scheduled to travel through Badhinuapalli, Kairasi, Bhikapada, Khojapalli and Badapalli before reaching Narayani.

The fallen tree completely blocked the roadway, preventing the bus and other vehicles from proceeding. Passengers were left waiting on the affected stretch as traffic remained disrupted.

The incident came amid persistent rain and strong winds being reported across parts of southern Odisha.

Taptapani Stretch Raises Safety Concerns

Meanwhile, continuous rainfall over the past two days has made travel conditions difficult along the Taptapani road in Sanakhemundi block.

Rainwater mixed with mud was reported to be flowing down from the surrounding hills in the Taptapani area. The conditions have raised concerns for motorists using National Highway 326 near the Taptapani-Palukhol stretch.

The hilly terrain and continued rainfall could further affect road conditions if the weather persists.

Deep Depression Brings More Rain

The disruption comes as a Deep Depression over the Bay of Bengal moves towards the north Andhra Pradesh-south Odisha coast.

The weather system is expected to bring heavy to very heavy rainfall and strong winds to several parts of Odisha. Ganjam is among the districts being closely monitored as the system approaches the coast.

With rain forecast to continue, road users in vulnerable and hilly stretches have been advised to exercise caution, particularly on routes affected by falling trees, flowing mud and rainwater.