Nuapada : Continuous torrential rains have thrown life out of gear in Odisha’s Nuapada district, exposing once again the fragile infrastructure in the state’s rural heartlands. In a major setback to connectivity and safety, a crucial culvert in the Sunabeda area of Komna block was washed away late Wednesday night due to the intense water flow.

This culvert served as the lifeline between the villages of Sunabeda and Gatibeda — the only route that connected them to the outside world. Its collapse has left entire communities marooned, with dozens of families now stranded in their homes. Basic transportation has come to a halt, and emergency services have no access to these cut-off villages.

The situation has sparked fears among residents, especially in medical emergencies where reaching a hospital is now nearly impossible. Children have been forced to miss school, and supplies of food, medicines, and other essentials are under serious threat. Without a swift alternative arrangement, the crisis could spiral out of control in the coming days.

Meanwhile, the India Meteorological Department has issued a red alert for Mayurbhanj and Keonjhar districts, predicting continued heavy rainfall across the state. The warning includes the risk of flash floods, landslides, and widespread disruption of essential services. Low-lying areas are at high risk of waterlogging, further hampering rescue and relief operations.

Despite the growing severity of the situation, no immediate action has been initiated by the district administration to restore connectivity or build an alternative route. Year after year, the same villages suffer during monsoons, yet no permanent, resilient infrastructure has been put in place.

This incident has once again highlighted the urgent need for disaster-proof infrastructure in Odisha’s remote regions. It has also raised serious concerns about the administration’s preparedness and response during natural calamities.