Indian Coast Guard Conducts Rescue Operation Amid Cyclone Arnab in Odisha

Odisha, October 29 (Daily Kiran) : The Indian Coast Guard launched a challenging aerial rescue operation in Odisha as Cyclone ‘Arnab’ impacted the region. On October 29, six individuals, including two women, two children, and an elderly person, were saved from a health center surrounded by floodwaters.

The rescue mission was initiated after the Ganjam district administration alerted the Coast Guard about the crisis. An Advanced Light Helicopter (ALH MK-3) was quickly deployed from the Coast Guard’s air station in Bhubaneswar, with officers ready to assist.

Despite adverse weather conditions, the helicopter crew located the flood-affected primary health center where several people were trapped due to rising waters. The rescue team carefully stabilized the helicopter above the inundated area.

Utilizing specialized equipment, the team hoisted each person to safety, one by one, before transporting them to the community health center in Dharakot.

In light of the cyclone’s effects, the Coast Guard’s northeastern regional headquarters has placed its air and sea resources on high alert. Aircraft are prepared for continuous monitoring, emergency evacuations, and delivering essential supplies to those isolated by flooding or other disasters.

This operation underscores the critical importance of timely aerial rescue efforts, even in adverse weather and challenging conditions. Earlier this month, the Indian Coast Guard conducted the ‘SAREX-2026’ national maritime search and rescue exercise, which involved ships, aircraft, light helicopters, and Chetak helicopters, simulating complex rescue scenarios. This exercise aimed to test readiness for emergencies at sea, particularly near the Paradip coast in Odisha.

The Coast Guard’s commitment to saving lives is evident, as every second counts in emergencies.