Heavy Rain Floods Malkangiri; 2,259 Evacuated, Seven Bridges Submerged
Manas Mallick, Odishabarta
Malkangiri, September 26, 2026: Continuous heavy rainfall has triggered flooding across several parts of Malkangiri district, inundating low-lying areas, entering residential houses and disrupting road connectivity at multiple locations.
The situation has affected 28 gram panchayats and 37 villages across Mathili, Kalimela, Padia, Korukonda and Khairput blocks.
As many as 2,259 people have been rescued and shifted to safe relief shelters as the district administration stepped up round-the-clock rescue and relief operations.
Floodwaters are flowing two to three feet deep over several bridges, severely affecting vehicular movement.
The affected bridges include Poteru, Kangurukonda (Kankarkunda), Kanyashram, Haldikunda, Baliguda, Kandahaguda and Baribencha, while water has also been reported over the M.V.-90 and M.V.-96 bridges.
The Balimela-Jeypore road has been completely cut off at certain stretches due to the rising water level. Authorities have installed barricades on both sides of the affected stretch and prohibited movement to prevent accidents. Commuters have been advised to use the alternative Padia road near Shikhapali Chowk.
The administration is closely monitoring the situation at vulnerable locations, particularly the Poteru and Pangam bridges, where rising water levels could further affect connectivity.
Houses Damaged, No Immediate Casualties Reported
Heavy rain has caused waterlogging in several low-lying areas and forced residents to move to safer locations. A house belonging to Gopinath Panda at Nilakamberu under Korukonda Block reportedly completely collapsed amid the adverse weather conditions. No member of the Panda family was injured in the incident.
There have been no immediate reports of human casualties in the affected areas, while field teams continue to assess damage to houses and other infrastructure.
Relief and Rescue Operations Intensified;
The district administration has opened three free community kitchens to provide cooked food to displaced and affected residents. Polythene rolls and 20 units of dry-food packets have also been distributed in affected areas, including MPV-06.
To ensure medical assistance in the flood-hit areas, 20 special medical teams have been deployed.
The teams are expected to provide immediate healthcare support and monitor the risk of waterborne and other rain-related diseases.
District Collector Prathamesh Arvind Rajeshirke visited several affected locations and reviewed the situation on the ground.
he administration, along with security forces and other field agencies, is continuing rescue, relief and rehabilitation measures on a round-the-clock basis.
Educational Institutions Closed;
In view of the continuing heavy rain, thunderstorms and flood situation, all government and private schools, colleges and Anganwadi centres in Malkangiri district will remain closed on Saturday, September 26.
The closure covers primary, upper-primary and secondary schools, Odisha Adarsha Vidyalayas, higher-secondary institutions, degree colleges and Anganwadi centres.
However, teaching and non-teaching staff and Anganwadi workers have been directed to report for duty and assist the administration in relief and rehabilitation operations. Examinations already scheduled by various boards, councils and universities will be conducted as planned.
The district administration has appealed to residents not to panic, remain alert and avoid crossing flooded roads, bridges and other vulnerable stretches. People have also been advised to prioritise the safety of their families and follow official advisories as the adverse weather conditions con
