Paralakhemundi: Incessant rain triggered by a deep depression led to a landslide in Mohana area of Odisha’s Gajapati district on Thursday, disrupting traffic on the key ghat road connecting Paniganda to Chandrapur in Rayagada district.
Vehicular movement came to a halt on the route as loose soil and uprooted trees from the hillside blocked vehicular movement on the road.
As per sources, the landslide took place in Duruduma ghat area of Gardama Panchayat, where the saturated soil gave way following downpour since Wednesday. A portion of the ghat road reportedly caved in after incessant rain, causing traffic disruption.
Locals said the situation became more serious dur to uprooted trees, leaving a large number of commuters stranded.
Officials said the situation has been reviewed and assessed. Steps are being taken to mobilise resources to clear the road and restore normalcy in traffic.
Reports added that continuous rainfall in the region has made the hill slopes vulnerable. While authorities are monitoring the situation closely for any additional landslides, the risk of one occurring remains high.
Meanwhile, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) has stated that the deep depression over the Bay of Bengal is moving towards the coasts. It is likely to cross the Odisha-Andhra coast between Paradip and Gopalpur by the night of Thursday.
