Nuapada Floods Sever Transport Links, Ravage Crops Across District
Nuapada, — Torrential rains have unleashed a flood crisis in Nuapada district, submerging the Palsada Bridge and severing the vital Boden–Khariar road.
Local authorities, led by SDPO Upendra Pradhan and Police Officer Dilip Kumar Sahu, swiftly suspended traffic to prevent casualties, warning that rising water levels could worsen the situation.
The agricultural fallout has been severe. Continuous rainfall since early October has inundated farmland, particularly in Komna block’s Kandetara and Malapada villages.
Over 200 farmers have reported extensive damage to paddy, cotton, and maize crops. Paddy fields nearing harvest were submerged, leading to premature shedding and rot, while cotton and maize have succumbed to fungal infections due to excessive moisture.
“We worked hard all season, but the rain destroyed everything,” lamented a farmer from Kandetara.
In the Khanda Dhua canal areas, more than 200 acres remain underwater. Despite the scale of destruction, the Agriculture Department delayed its response, prompting local pressure before officials began field inspections.
Markets and schools have shut down, emergency shelters are being set up, and NGOs have started distributing food and essentials.
However, access remains difficult. Experts warn that continued rainfall could escalate the crisis, and farmers are urging immediate government intervention.
