Barabanka Ghat Blocked as Rain Fury Continues; More Heavy Showers Likely Till August 29
Heavy rainfall triggered by a low-pressure system over the Bay of Bengal caused a landslide on Sunday night, partially blocking National Highway-520 in Odisha’s Keonjhar district, even as incessant rain flooded homes and disrupted transport in the southern districts of Nabarangpur and Malkangiri.
The landslide struck at Barabanka Ghat, under Rugudi police station limits, after soil and debris from a hillside slid onto the highway, blocking nearly half the road on one side. Traffic has been restricted to a single lane, with police and National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) officials deployed at the spot to manage movement and clear the debris.
Keonjhar superintendent of police Nitin Kushalkar advised commuters travelling between Barbil and Rajamunda to exercise caution, given that one carriageway of the highway remains obstructed.
Meanwhile, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) issued an orange alert for six districts on Monday, forecasting heavy rainfall to continue until August 29. Officials also flagged the possibility of another low-pressure area forming over the Bay of Bengal between August 31 and September 1, which could bring a fresh spell of intense rain to the region.
Authorities have urged residents in low-lying and vulnerable areas to stay alert as the weather system continues to evolve over the coming days.
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