Cyclone Arnab Hits South Odisha, Rescue Operations Intensified

Bhubaneswar, October 29 (Daily Kiran) : Heavy rainfall from Cyclone Arnab has led to severe flooding in South Odisha, prompting the state government to accelerate rescue and relief efforts in Ganjam and Gajapati districts.

The intense downpour has caused rivers to swell, resulting in widespread flooding and significant landslides. Thousands have been affected, with numerous homes, roads, and rice fields damaged. Many areas have been cut off due to washed-away roads and bridges, leaving residents stranded, particularly in Ganjam and Gajapati.

According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), South Odisha recorded exceptionally heavy rainfall in the past 24 hours. Patrapur in Ganjam district saw the highest rainfall at 546 mm, followed by Sorada at 503 mm, G. Udayagiri in Kandhamal at 462 mm, Mahendragarh in Gajapati at 458 mm, Sankhemundi in Ganjam at 388 mm, and Chikiti in Ganjam at 309 mm.

Revenue and Disaster Management Minister Suresh Pujari stated that many rivers are rapidly rising, with some exceeding danger levels, creating a serious flood threat. Low-lying and vulnerable areas have been hit hardest, forcing residents to seek refuge on rooftops as floodwaters inundate their homes.

However, Minister Pujari noted that by Thursday evening, the flood situation began to improve in the affected districts.

Officials reported that 299 villages across 22 blocks in Ganjam and 711 villages in 7 blocks of Gajapati have been severely impacted by the flooding. Approximately 42,500 individuals in Ganjam and 20,000 in Gajapati have been affected. Teams from the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), Odisha Disaster Rapid Action Force (ODRAF), and Fire Services have successfully evacuated 11,882 individuals from Ganjam and 17,441 from Gajapati to flood and cyclone shelters. However, around 2,328 people remain stranded in 70 villages in Ganjam.

Due to the swift flow of water, NDRF and ODRAF teams have struggled to reach some affected areas. To assist, helicopters from the Indian Coast Guard are being deployed for airlifts to transport those trapped to safety. Collectors have been instructed to identify these areas and prepare lists for evacuating residents to safe locations.

In Ganjam, 27 ODRAF teams, 3 NDRF teams, and 24 Fire Service teams are stationed, while Gajapati has 12 ODRAF teams, 1 NDRF team, and 12 Fire Service teams deployed. Additionally, 550 pregnant women in Ganjam and 420 in Gajapati have been safely relocated.

Meanwhile, rising water levels in the Bahuda River have flooded low-lying areas. Water levels have also risen unusually high at Railway Bridge No. 1052 between Ichhapuram and Jhadupudi stations, disrupting several train services between Andhra Pradesh and Ganjam in Odisha.

Railway officials are collaborating with Ganjam and Srikakulam administrations to address the situation. The Chief Secretary has instructed the Ganjam Collector to assist stranded passengers and keep them informed continuously.