Malkangiri: More than 19 villages of Nakamamudi panchayat in Odisha's Malkangiri district were cut off from mainland following a landslide at Bayapada ghat due to incessant rainfall.

The incident has affected over 3000 people residing in the area as they are dependent on the ghat road for movement to and from the mainland.

As a result of the landslide, large chunks of debris came crashing onto the road from the hill, disrupting vehicular movement completely. Worth mentioning, the road was constructed two years ago.

Continuous rainfall in the region worsened the situation as it has made the restoration and clearance work highly challenging for the administration.

On the other hand, water level in several rivers of the district has increased owing to the heavy downpour, posing chances of flood situation.

The Collector has directed for evacuation of residents of the low-lying areas to safer places in the case of flood.