A temporary bridge over river Kalyani in Kalyansinghpur block in the district on Saturday got washed away due to torrential rains in the Niyamagiri Hills range.
Though the rains in other parts of the district are scanty, incessant rains due to a low pressure on Friday caused a flash flood in the river. In 2017, the permanent bridge connecting Parsali gram panchayat and other four GPs had been swept away due to torrential rains and a severe flood marooning several villages.
Since then the district administration has been constructing a temporary bridge on the river Kalyani. This has compounded the misery of nearly 20,000 inhabitants including Dongaria Kandhas, school students and pregnant women depending on healthcare facilities in Kalyansinghpur.
Every year in rainy season, the Kalyani plays havoc by sweeping away the temporary bridge. According to RD Executive Engineer Pradip Mandal, a tender has been floated and the work would start for a permanent bridge soon.
Kalayansinghpur BDO Anup Panda informed that no village has been marooned. A boat and safety jackets have been provided immediately with a trained boatman to ferry people in the river.
The district administration is alert to counter any eventuality.