Cyclone Aftermath / Central Team Begins Cyclone Arnab Damage Assessment in Ganjam, Gajapati

Brahmapur, Nov 4: A central team on Wednesday began its assessment of the damage caused by Cyclone Arnab in Odisha, with a focus on the severely affected districts of Ganjam and Gajapati.

The eight-member delegation, led by a senior Home Ministry official, is conducting field visits to evaluate losses and prepare a detailed report for the Centre.

The team had earlier visited Gajapati district, arriving by helicopter at Paralakhemundi before holding discussions with the district administration.

Officials presented detailed reports, photographs and video evidence documenting the extent of damage caused by the cyclone and the subsequent flooding.

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Following the review meeting, the delegation inspected some of the worst-affected areas in Mohana, Rayagada, Gumma and R Udayagiri blocks. After completing its assessment in Gajapati, the team proceeded to Ganjam district, where large-scale destruction to agriculture and infrastructure has been reported.

Cyclone Arnab and the accompanying heavy rainfall have dealt a severe blow to farmers across the two districts. Thousands of acres of farmland have been inundated, destroying standing crops and wiping out months of hard work.

Mushroom farms, maize fields and vegetable crops, including cabbage, bitter gourd and brinjal, have suffered extensive damage.

In several villages, farmers are struggling to come to terms with the losses. Many have seen their annual income washed away within days as floodwaters submerged fields ready for harvest.

The devastation extends beyond agriculture. In the Baradi area of Sorada block, the swollen Rushikulya River has washed away the homes of six families. Displaced residents have been living in temporary shelters for the past week, uncertain about their future and awaiting assistance.

In Ramachandrapur village under Hukuma panchayat, farmers reported substantial losses after vegetable fields were flooded. With their crops destroyed and homes damaged, many families now face the dual challenge of rebuilding their livelihoods and recovering from the disaster.