Bhubaneswar: Heavy rainfall triggered by Cyclone 'Arnab' has disrupted normal life in Odisha’s Gajapati district, with landslides, road damage and rising river levels raising fears of flooding in several areas.

Continuous rain for more than 36 hours has affected transportation in the district’s hilly regions, where landslides and uprooted trees have been reported. The rising water levels of the Vamsadhara and Mahendratanaya rivers have added to the concerns, particularly in low-lying areas.

The Vamsadhara river has crossed the danger level at Kashinagar, prompting authorities at the Gotta barrage in neighbouring Andhra Pradesh to sound a flood warning. Residents living downstream have been alerted and advised to move to safer locations if necessary.

Meanwhile, rising water levels in the Mahendratanaya river have led to inundation in several villages under Goshani and Rayagada blocks. Waterlogging has left people stranded in some areas, disrupting movement and daily activities.

Vamsadhara crosses danger level at Kashinagar

The water level of the Vamsadhara river at Kashinagar in Gajapati district was recorded at 55.58 metres at 7 am on Thursday, above the danger mark of 54.60 metres.

Although there were indications that the water level was beginning to recede, the river remained above the danger mark, keeping the flood threat alive in riverside areas. Further rainfall could worsen the situation.

According to data from the Gotta barrage in Andhra Pradesh, the inflow and outflow of water in the Vamsadhara stood at 56,272 cubic feet per second each at 7 am on Thursday.

All 22 gates of the barrage had been opened to release water. Against its full reservoir level of 38.10 metres, the water level stood at 35.20 metres at the time.

Mahendratanaya inundates villages

The Mahendratanaya river has also witnessed a rise in water levels following continuous rainfall. Several villages in Goshani and Rayagada blocks have been inundated, leaving residents in some locations stranded.

The flooding has affected transportation and disrupted normal life in low-lying areas. If the rain continues, the waterlogging situation could deteriorate further.

Mohana receives 307.6 mm rainfall

According to the rainfall report released by the District Emergency Operations Centre (DEOC) on Thursday, Gajapati district recorded a cumulative rainfall of 1,357.2 mm across eight rain-gauge stations. The district's average rainfall stood at 169.65 mm.

Mohana received the highest rainfall at 307.6 mm, followed by Rayagada at 224 mm.

The block-wise rainfall figures were:

• Mohana: 307.6 mm

• Rayagada: 224 mm

• R. Udayagiri: 175.1 mm

• Nuagada: 163.6 mm

• Goshani: 151 mm

• Gumma: 150 mm

• Paralakhemundi: 106.4 mm

• Kashinagar: 79.5 mm