Flood Update / Flood threat eases in Gajapati district as water levels in Vamsadhara, Mahendratanaya rivers recede

Paralakhemundi, Oct 30: Cyclone Arnab and its associated rainfall caused extensive damage in Odisha's Gajapati district, triggering landslides at multiple locations, damaging power infrastructure and destroying agricultural crops across thousands of hectares, sources said on Friday.

Several roads have been washed away, disrupting connectivity with Brahmapur, while falling river levels have eased the immediate threat of flooding.

According to information shared by the district administration, landslides have been reported at 10 locations in Gajapati. Around 160 electricity poles have been damaged, while paddy cultivation across 6,000 hectares and horticultural crops over 600 hectares have suffered losses.

The Mohana block has been among the worst-affected areas. Landslides and soil erosion have occurred at several locations, while roads have been damaged by the heavy rainfall. Fallen trees blocking roads have been cleared by teams from the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), Odisha Disaster Rapid Action Force (ODRAF) and Fire Services, helping restore movement in affected stretches, a source informed.

At Taptapani, along the Ganjam-Gajapati border, water flowing down the hills triggered landslides, with mud and rocks blocking the road. The administration cleared the debris on a war footing and restored traffic.

Also Read: Cyclone Arnab aftermath: Landslide, stranded workers, severe flooding disrupt life in Ganjam

The district administration said water levels in the Vamsadhara and Mahendratanaya rivers have receded, indicating that the immediate flood threat has eased. Dry weather has also brought some relief to residents.

Rescue and emergency response
According to the situation report issued by the State Command Centre of Odisha Fire and Emergency Services, landslides were reported at Taptapani, Badadeula and Balibada in Gajapati district.

The report also recorded the following emergency response operations in the district:

31 people rescued from waterlogged habitations.
Two animals rescued.
Six dewatering operations carried out.
169 tree-cutting calls received.