Continuous torrential rainfall since Tuesday night paralysed normal life in Sambalpur, with several low-lying areas submerged and water entering people’s homes. The rain situation worsened further on Wednesday morning, prompting the Hirakud dam authorities to open additional gates to discharge excess water amid rising inflows.

Sources reported that in several areas of the city, rainwater entered houses and covered roads, leaving vehicles stranded.

Residents in Padhanpada, Dhanupali, Ainthapali and Danipali were the most affected, with reports of water stagnating up to ankle height inside homes. In some pockets, particularly those lying in lower elevations, locals described the conditions as a form of artificial flood, where stagnant rainwater created pools across residential and commerci

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