Cyclone Arnab Aftermath / President Murmu Speaks to Odisha CM Amid Flood Havoc as Cyclone Arnab Leaves 1.5 Lakh Marooned

Bhubaneswar, Oct 30: President Droupadi Murmu on Friday spoke with Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi over the telephone and enquired about the situation in the State in the aftermath of Cyclone Arnab and the subsequent floods that have devastated large parts of southern Odisha.

According to a post shared by Rashtrapati Bhavan, the President sought details about the well-being of displaced residents and those affected by the cyclone-induced flooding, which has emerged as one of the most severe natural disasters to hit Odisha in recent years.

Ganjam Worst Hit

The President's intervention came as Ganjam district continued to grapple with massive flooding triggered by incessant rainfall under the impact of Cyclone Arnab. More than 1.5 lakh people across eight blocks of the district remain marooned, while nearly 16,000 people have been evacuated to safer locations.

Floodwaters have cut off Asika, Sheragada, Sorada, Dharakote, Bhanjanagar and Bellaguntha from surrounding areas. Patrapur and Chikiti blocks have also witnessed extensive inundation. The situation worsened after an embankment of the Rushikulya river breached near Purusottampur, allowing floodwaters to enter several villages and urban settlements.

Officials described the flooding as Ganjam's worst disaster since Cyclone Phailin (2013) and Cyclone Titli (2018). Several rivers, including the Rushikulya, Bahuda, Ghodahada, Loharakhandi, Jaraou, Padma and Badanadi, are in spate, while the Baghalati, Baghua and Daha dams are under pressure.

Asika town remains among the worst-affected locations, with floodwaters submerging large stretches of the town. Many residents have taken refuge on upper floors of buildings as rescue teams struggle against strong currents.
Also Read: Southern Odisha Reels Under Floods After Cyclone Arnab; Over 59,000 Evacuated

Landslide in Kandhamal

Meanwhile, heavy rainfall triggered a fresh landslide on the vulnerable Kalinga Ghat stretch of National Highway-157 in Kandhamal district. A massive boulder rolled onto the road near Andharikot, while an uprooted tree blocked another section near Byaghradevi temple.

The incident occurred at the same location where a portion of the highway was washed away in September. The latest landslide is expected to complicate ongoing restoration work and raise fresh concerns over the stability of the accident-prone stretch.