Mayurbhanj (Odisha) [India], June 29 (ANI): Continuous rainfall over the past two days has led to widespread waterlogging in several blocks and panchayats of Mayurbhanj district, Odisha, particularly affecting villages near the Similipal region. Roads were inundated on Sunday, forcing residents to wade through knee-deep water to reach their homes, as the situation stretched into its fifth consecutive day, impacting mobility and daily life for over 1,000 people.
Residents blamed poor drainage infrastructure and heavy siltation for the crisis, which has prevented natural water flow. Locals report that even light rainfall in the past has caused similar flooding, pointing to a long-standing issue that remains unresolved.
Santosh Kumar Sahu, a resident of one of the worst-hit areas, told ANI, “The waterlogging issue is due to poor drainage, with water unable to flow out. For the past 5 days, around 1,000 people from two panchayats have been struggling to commute as the road is completely blocked. Water has entered homes, and residents are facing difficulties, including cooking and performing daily chores. Water levels are knee-deep in some areas.”
Sahu added that residents had already informed the RD Executive Engineer, but no remedial action has been taken so far.
Echoing similar concerns, another resident, Ranjit Sahu, said, “The natural flow of water has been blocked due to siltation, causing water to accumulate on the road. The absence of a proper drainage system is the root cause. The continuous rainfall has only made matters worse. We’re struggling even with basic necessities like cooking and moving around.”
Earlier in the day, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) announced the early onset of the southwest monsoon, which arrived eight days ahead of the expected date of July 8. The monsoon has now covered the entire Delhi region and advanced into the remaining parts of Rajasthan, western Uttar Pradesh, and Haryana, according to IMD.
As rainfall continues, residents of Mayurbhanj are urging authorities to address the root infrastructural problems and provide immediate relief to the affected communities. (ANI)
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