Roads in Odisha Capital resemble ocean fronts after brief spell of rain

Bhubaneswar: As expected, many parts of the twin city were inundated and waterlogged after less than an hour-long rain today afternoon. Knee-deep water overflowing roads, swelling drains and vehicles stranded in the flooded streets were the common scenes across the twin city.

The stretch of the National Highway-16 in front of Iskcon temple in Bhubaneswar was flooded making impossible for vehicles to ply. Some motorists dared to cross the flooded street, but failed as ignition of their vehicles stopped. Finding no other option, either they moved out of the vehicle stranded in the flooded road or steered the wheel with help of some locals to high ground.

At the Iskcon temple, symbolic pahandi of the deities were performed. However, due to the flooded road the chariot pulling could not held.

Also, knee-deep water inundated the road in front of Esplanade Mall following the rain. Motorists especially two-wheelers and cyclists had difficulties crossing the stretch.

Other places like Chintamaniswar, Jagannathpur and several places in Old Town in Bhubaneswar were inundated. Flood water entered basement of several apartments and low lying areas in the city.

The weathermen recorded 75.5 mm rainfall in Bhubaneswar Airport area by 7:30 PM today.

In Begunia ARG and Rajiv Bhawan ARG, rainfall of 13.5 mm and 77.5 mm were recorded respectively. Similarly, in Cuttack ARG and Cuttack Krishi Vigyan Kendra, the met department recorded 37 mm and 20 mm rainfall respectively.

Earlier, the Bhubaneswar Municipal Corporation claimed drains in the city were desilted and other necessary work were carried out as part of monsoon preparedness. But seeing the flooded streets in the city it has been understood that the claims have fallen flat.