Malkangiri: Even as the low pressure that shook the entire state and wreaked havoc in several parts for more than a week, it seems to not stop any time soon in Malkangiri as heavy rainfall continued to batter the district once again.
Residents here woke up Saturday morning to waterlogging and a bridge collapse due to the torrential rain Friday night. The district seemed to have turned into an island of sorts with water flowing 3-4 ft above ground level, submerging bridges.
Vehicular movements were hit due to the submergence of a bridge between Malkangiri and Balimela. Locals had to go through unwanted problems again due to the unexpected rainfall. Although the rain stopped Saturday morning, people had to wait for hours for the water level to recede.
Teachers on their way to schools had to wade through waterlogged roads as many canals and bridges in the area were submerged. “It was a normal working day and we were on our way to schools. But, many bridges have submerged due to rise in water level in canals. Now, we are left stranded. The students will be waiting for us,” some teachers bemoaned.
Moreover, many vehicles had to wait for hours until the water level receded. The worst sufferers were the residents of MV-39 village that was submerged in the flood water.
People could not come out of their village and go to their farms. A bridge connecting the village was also submerged. The intensity of the water flow was so high that it washed away vehicles.
“As most of the bridges are in low-lying areas, they get frequently submerged in heavy rains. This not only causes problems for the villagers, but also affects traders, school children and teachers,” locals said.
The villagers alleged that rainwater flowing over the bridges has become a common problem even after a little shower since the bridges are at low level. If the rain continues, the situation will worsen as many rivers are in spate.
They held the administration responsible for the construction of low level bridges. They demanded construction of new bridges at a higher level to avoid recurrence of their submergence.
PNN
