Rourkela: Heavy rainfall disrupted normal life in Odisha’s Rourkela city on Monday. Several parts of the Steel City witnessed extensive waterlogging due to the downpour.

Major roads, including the Ring Road, and different slum pockets were flooded following heavy showers, severely affecting vehicular movement. In many areas, rainwater rose to knee level, making it difficult for residents and commuters to move around.

Residents of Indira Nagar and Machhli Market were among the worst affected, with more than 50 houses reportedly remaining waterlogged. Rainwater entered homes, damaging household belongings and food grains and leaving residents struggling to step outside. The same areas had faced similar waterlogging problems during the previous year as well.

The second entrance parking area of Rourkela railway station was also submerged. Around 3 to 4 feet of water accumulated at the spot, reportedly submerging nearly 30 vehicles. Residents attributed the waterlogging to the poor condition of the drainage system in the area, which prevented the rainwater from being discharged properly.

Several roads in the Smart City took on the appearance of ponds as rainwater accumulated. Water also entered commercial establishments, reportedly causing considerable damage.

Among the badly affected locations were Gurudwara Road, the old taxi stand, Traffic Gate on Ring Road, the area in front of the RSP Administrative Building, Sarna Chowk and Airstrip Road. Waterlogging at these locations significantly disrupted traffic and daily commuting.

Families living in various slums and other low-lying parts of the city also faced considerable hardship due to the persistent waterlogging.

The recurring waterlogging has once again raised concerns over the city's drainage infrastructure and the need for effective measures to ensure faster discharge of rainwater during heavy downpours.