Ganjam: Villagers Worship Rushikulya River, Pray for Protection from Floodwaters, Watch

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Hinjilicut: Amid devastating floods triggered by Cyclone Arnab in Odisha’s Ganjam district, residents of Brahmanachhai village in Sheragada have turned to divine intervention, offering prayers to Maa Rushikulya River and breaking coconuts on the riverbank in a desperate appeal for protection from the rising floodwaters.

In an emotional display of faith and devotion, villagers gathered along the banks of the swollen Rushikulya River and performed special rituals, seeking blessings from the river goddess to protect their homes and families from the flood fury.

The atmosphere reverberated with the sounds of traditional bells, devotional chanting and Haribol as villagers offered prayers and broke coconuts before the floodwaters. They also performed Nama Sankirtan, appealing to Maa Rushikulya to spare their village from further devastation.

The religious rituals came as floodwaters entered Brahmanachhai village, leaving several areas submerged and surrounding settlements with water. Road connectivity has been disrupted, leaving residents stranded and struggling to cope with the situation.

Meanwhile, Cyclone Arnab has caused widespread flooding across several parts of Ganjam district, with the Rushikulya River swelling dangerously and floodwaters reaching both banks.

The flood situation has severely affected Aska, Sheragada, Dharakote and surrounding areas. In some places, water levels have reportedly reached eight feet, inundating roads, marketplaces and residential neighbourhoods.

The Aska bus stand has been submerged, while approximately eight feet of floodwater has been reported on National Highway 59. Road communication from Aska to Berhampur, Sorada-Daringbadi and Bhanjanagar has been completely disrupted.

Floodwaters have also entered Aska Hospital, forcing authorities to shift patients from the ground floor to the upper floor as a precautionary measure.

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Several localities, including Palli Raghunath Nagar, Khambeswari Patna and Laxmi Bazaar in Aska, have been inundated.

The situation is equally alarming in Dharakote block, which has reportedly been cut off from the outside world due to flooding.

Similarly, floodwaters from the Nandini River have submerged parts of Sheragada, with water levels reportedly reaching eight feet in the main market area.

With roads submerged, communication disrupted and residential areas surrounded by water, residents across the affected regions are facing severe difficulties.

Amid the unfolding crisis, the prayers offered by Brahmanachhai villagers to Maa Rushikulya reflect their deep-rooted faith and desperate hope for relief from the flood disaster.

Watch the video here:

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