In photos: Odisha becomes the latest state to fall victim to flooding

After heavy flooding in Arunachal Pradesh and Assam, Odisha is the latest state to fall victim to heavy rains and the destruction that entails. The Nagavalli and  Kalyani rivers have swelled, leaving parts of Rayagada and Kalahandi districts inundated, and causing extensive damage to road and rail connectivity in several places. A major road link between Rayagada and Bhawanipatna has snapped as flood water has submerged major roads. As many as 11 trains have also been cancelled, with many others diverted to alternate routes. 

The human impact has also been significant. Around 300 people who were stranded in flood water have been rescued by the special relief forces, with the state also calling on the defence forces for help. IAF choppers have been pressed into action both for rescue operations as well as to drop relief packages. Landslides resulting from the rain have injured several people in Thuamul Rampur. Schools in the affected areas have been shut for three days now. 

Even as relief operations continue, the state is now keeping a close watch on the health situation, with outbreaks of disease an expected outcome of the current calamity.