Bhubaneswar: Heavy rainfall in Odisha has triggered widespread flooding, leading to several harrowing, near-fatal incidents in Dhenkanal, Rayagada, and Sonpur districts.
In Dhenkanal district, a JCB excavator was swept off a flooded bridge by powerful currents of the overflowing Ram River near Marthapur Panchayat. The operator, who had been traveling from Marthapur village toward Odhana, ignored warnings from local villagers and attempted to cross the submerged structure. As the vehicle lost control and plunged into the river, the operator climbed atop the cabin to escape the surging waters. Alerted by locals, the Bhuwan Fire Services personnel rushed to the spot and successfully brought the driver to safety using specialised equipment before initiating operations to retrieve the excavator.
All eight blocks in the district have reported flood-related damage. Both the Ram and Brahmani rivers have overflowed their banks, inundating villages including Marthapur, Odhana, and areas near Gengutia in Kandhagao.
Similarly in Rayagada district’s Kolnara block, a youth risked his life to save two people stranded in the swollen Nagavali River near Imaliguda village. A tractor, carrying Prakash Pedenti and a minor, was trapped in the river’s raging currents while trying to cross it. As hesitant onlookers gathered on the banks, a young man from nearby Intaliguda village plunged into the dangerous flow, successfully bringing both individuals back to safety.
The event has reignited urgent calls from residents of nearly ten surrounding villages for a permanent bridge, as daily commutes for farming and basic needs remain dangerously precarious during the monsoon.
Separately, in Sonpur district, a motorcyclist had a narrow escape on Kapasira road under Dunguripali block after being swept away by floodwaters while attempting to navigate knee-deep floodwaters overflowing the Gurahandi rivulet. The strong current swept both the rider and his vehicle away, but vigilant locals acted swiftly to pull them from the torrent.
Authorities and locals have urged commuters to avoid such flooded stretches.