Bhubaneswar: Cyclone Arnab has triggered severe flooding and landslides across southern Odisha, claiming at least three lives, including that of a nine month old baby, and leaving thousands of people affected. Continuous heavy rainfall has caused rivers to overflow, inundated hundreds of villages and damaged roads and bridges across Ganjam, Gajapati and Kandhamal districts.
The cyclone, initially expected to have a greater impact on Andhra Pradesh, changed its course and caused extensive damage in Odisha. Nearly a dozen landslides were reported in the affected districts. In one incident in Kandhamal, a couple and their infant son died after a landslide struck the area. The state government announced financial assistance of ₹4 lakh for each deceased person’s family.
More than 23,000 people have taken shelter in relief camps, while many others remain stranded in flooded areas. Around 50,000 people have been severely affected in Ganjam, followed by 30,000 in Gajapati and 12,000 in Kandhamal.
Large Scale Rescue and Relief Operations
The state government has deployed four helicopters belonging to the Indian Navy and the Indian Coast Guard to deliver food packets to flood affected areas of Ganjam. Food supplies have been air dropped at 21 identified locations, while rescue teams from the National Disaster Response Force and Odisha Disaster Rapid Action Force have used boats to deliver cooked meals to stranded residents.
Following an aerial survey of the affected areas, the government sanctioned an additional ₹20 crore for Ganjam to strengthen relief and rescue efforts. More than 300 rescue teams have been deployed across the state, with over 100 operating in Ganjam and Gajapati.
The overflowing Rushikulya river has caused widespread damage in Ganjam, flooding villages and washing away roads. Sorada, Aska, Bhanjanagar and Purushottampur are among the worst affected locations. Thirty senior administrative officers have also been assigned to support local relief operations.
President Droupadi Murmu cancelled her scheduled three day visit to Odisha from November 3 in view of the situation.
Transport Services Gradually Recover
National Highway 16 has reopened after water levels in the Bahuda river receded. Rail services have also resumed, although several trains remain cancelled or short terminated because of waterlogging and congestion.
Meanwhile, opposition parties have criticised the state government over its preparedness, alleging that preventive measures were inadequate despite advance weather warnings. The administration has directed officials to accelerate the restoration of damaged infrastructure, electricity supply and essential services, while ensuring access to drinking water, food and emergency healthcare.
