Cyclone Arnab devastated southern Odisha; rescue and relief operations intensified

Bhubaneswar,October 30
The aftermath of Cyclone Arnab has left large parts of southern Odisha devastated, with Ganjam, Gajapati and Kandhamal among the worst-affected districts.

Although floodwaters are receding in Ganjam and Gajapati, several villages remain marooned, and the suffering of affected people continues to mount. Landslides, damaged roads and disrupted rail services have compounded the crisis, even as rescue and relief operations are being intensified.

Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi has conducted an aerial survey of the flood-hit districts and directed officials to expedite relief operations. President Droupadi Murmu today spoke to Chief Minister Mr. Majhi and was apprised of the flood situation in Odisha. Meanwhile, thirty additional officers have been deployed in Ganjam.

The Coast Guard, NDRF and ODRAF are engaged in rescuing stranded people, with helicopter support. Train services have also been severely disrupted, with several cancellations. Landslides have also damaged roads and paralysed normal life. Meanwhile, the rising Jalaka river has triggered fresh flood concerns in low-lying areas of northern Odisha. BM