Bhubaneswar: Normal life was disrupted in Bhubaneswar on Wednesday as cyclone Arnab triggered heavy rain coupled with strong winds across the city.
While severe waterlogging was witnessed in several parts of the city, a Laxmi Puja pandal was damaged due to heavy rain and gusty winds at Damana playground in Chandrasekharpur area. While the decorative structure collapsed, an 80-foot idol of Goddess Laxmi was also damaged. No casualties was reported due to the incident.
Sources said the pandal was set up by the North Bhubaneswar Yuva Sangha Gajalaxmi Puja Committee for the annual festival. A light gate near the playground also collapsed, while the puja committee’s office beside the pandal was damaged
Following the incident, a team from Chandrasekharpur police station and officials of the Bhubaneswar Municipal Corporation (BMC) reached the site to assess the situation. The puja committee used earthmoving equipment and a crane to remove the collapsed structure and clear the debris.
According to committee members, the incident occurred at around 11.30 am when strong winds battered the area. The pandal gradually collapsed, causing damage to the idol and other structures at the puja venue. The committee had organised the festival on a grand scale, with the immersion of the idol scheduled for October 31.
Heavy rain under the impact of Cyclone Arnab affected several parts of Bhubaneswar in Odisha on Wednesday, disrupting traffic and causing inconvenience to commuters. Knee-deep water accumulated on some roads, while a tree branch fell near the Commissionerate Police Square.
The rainfall also submerged pavements in several areas, making it difficult for pedestrians to move through affected stretches. Commuters faced difficulties navigating roads covered with water.
The Bhubaneswar Municipal Corporation (BMC) has started clearing roads and cutting fallen trees to remove obstructions caused by the rain. Civic teams worked to clear affected stretches and ease traffic movement.
The fallen tree branch near the Commissionerate Police Square added to the problems on the city roads. BMC teams worked to remove fallen branches and clear the roads for commuters.
The heavy rainfall and resulting road obstructions affected normal movement in parts of the capital city as Cyclone Arnab continued to influence weather conditions.
Ganjam, Gajapati, Koraput, Malkangiri and Rayagada districts of Odisha were placed on alert in view of the possible impact of the cyclone. The state government is making necessary preparations to deal with the situation and issuing warnings to people in potentially affected areas.
