Balasore: Normal life was thrown out of gear and traffi c came to a standstill after heavy downpour late Monday night accompanied by thunderbolts left Balasore city waterlogged Tuesday.
The rain began around 2am Monday and continued for nearly four hours. Several low-lying areas, arterial roads and intersections were submerged under three to four feet of water, creating a floodlike condition.
Residents said knee-deep water overflowed on the roads, making movement nearly impossible. Rainwater entered many houses and shops, forcing businesses to shut down for the day. Officials estimated that losses ran into several crores as hundreds of shops remained closed Tuesday.
Heavy rainfall led to waterlogging in several areas, including Chidia bridge, Salt Tax Colony, Gopalgaon, Manikhamba, Suelpur, Cinema Square, Congress Lane, Motiganj, Pandhuapada, ITI Square, Telenga Sahi, Shobharampur, Proof Road, ITR Colony, Khaparapada Square, Central School Square, Arad Bazaar, Ranipatna, Nuasahi, Gudipada, Ekta Nagar, Dwarika Nagar and Haripur.
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Traffic was disrupted as rainwater flowed knee-deep and in some places waist-deep through the streets. Residents in low-lying areas were unable to step out as rainwater entered homes. Several mud houses collapsed due to the incessant rain.
The district emergency office reported 605 mm rainfall across Balasore district, including 128 mm within the town. At Nuasahi Square, water levels rose to as high as 4 feet, inundating roadside homes and shops. Police closed parts of the route after traffic snarls worsened.
Sub-Collector Shiv Malaviya and executive officer of Balasore Municipality Nirlipta Mohanty visited affected areas to assess the situation.
Meanwhile, residents voiced frustration over poor drainage, saying the civic administration’s failure worsened the crisis.
A tree branch broke and fell on an ambulance on the road behind the district headquarters hospital Monday night, officials said. Firefighters rushed to the spot, cut the tree and cleared the road, restoring traffic movement.
PNN
