Flood Update / Odisha steps up rescue, relief operations as Cyclone Arnab triggers floods in Ganjam, Gajapati

Bhubaneswar, Oct 30: The Odisha government has intensified efforts to tackle the flood situation in the state due to Cyclone Arnab and subsequent rainfall. The government has stepped up rescue, relief and restoration measures in Ganjam and Gajapati as these districts have suffered extensive damage, said a source. 

Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi is expected to conduct an aerial survey of the affected areas in Ganjam and Gajapati districts to assess the damage. Following the survey, he will hold discussions with district collectors and senior officials to review the situation. 

The Chief Minister announced that eight ministers have been assigned responsibilities across eight affected districts to supervise relief and rescue operations. Senior IAS officers have also been deployed across seven districts. 

The Berhampur RDC has been supervising the overall situation in Ganjam. The disaster management is being implemented across four levels, starting from the state to the district level. The rescue teams have reached the affected areas and supplied essential food items and relief materials to residents. The Chief Minister has directed officials to repair damaged bridges and roads, instructions have also been issued to restore electricity and mobile network services in the affected areas. 

Following discussions with the Union Home Minister, the state government has sought assistance of the Indian Air Force, Coast Guard and other security agencies to strengthen rescue operations. ODRAF teams have also been deployed in affected areas to carry out rescue and relief operations. 

The state government has also expressed concern over agricultural losses caused by the cyclone and the ongoing flood situation. The assigned authorities will assess the damage before providing compensation to affected individuals. A central team will visit Odisha on November 2 to assess the damage caused by Cyclone Arnab and the subsequent floods.

As per the Chief Minister, compensation will be provided by central and state governments based on the assessment report.

The Odisha government has assured that all necessary measures are being taken to support affected localities and accelerate rehabilitation work in the cyclone-hit districts. Earlier today, a Coast Guard helicopter initially halted the rescue operation due to unfavourable weather conditions; however, six people were later rescued by the chopper.