Bhubaneswar: More than 59,000 people have been evacuated from vulnerable areas across Odisha following exceptionally heavy rainfall and flooding triggered by Cyclone Arnab, with 69 specialised teams of the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and Odisha Disaster Rapid Action Force (ODRAF) deployed for rescue and relief operations, Revenue and Disaster Management Minister Suresh Pujari said on Thursday.
As many as 830 shelters have been arranged to accommodate the evacuees, while 244 Fire and Emergency Services teams are working across the state to rescue stranded people, clear roads blocked by fallen trees and restore connectivity.
Pujari reviewed the flood situation throughout the day from the State Emergency Operations Centre at the office of the Special Relief Commissioner (SRC), coordinating rescue and relief operations with senior officials and field-level authorities.
Ganjam and Gajapati districts have been among the worst affected by exceptionally heavy, cloudburst-like rainfall. Patrapur in Ganjam recorded 546 mm of rainfall, while G Udayagiri in Kandhamal received 462.4 mm. Several locations in Ganjam, Gajapati and Kandhamal recorded more than 200 mm of rainfall.
The minister directed the administration to reach every affected person and ensure the timely delivery of essential supplies and assistance. He also remained in contact with ministers, senior officials and local public representatives in the affected districts to monitor the ground situation.
With strong water currents preventing rescue teams from reaching some stranded people, aerial evacuation operations have been undertaken in vulnerable areas of Ganjam with the assistance of the Indian Coast Guard. Cooked food, drinking water and other essential supplies are being provided to affected people, the official statement said.
Gajapati, Malkangiri among worst-hit districts
Gajapati recorded the highest number of evacuees, with 17,441 people moved to safety and 298 shelters opened. Malkangiri reported 15,477 evacuees, followed by Ganjam with 11,882 and Nabarangpur with 10,519.
In Ganjam, 45 ODRAF teams and seven NDRF teams have been deployed, while Gajapati has 12 ODRAF teams and one NDRF team. Across Odisha, 60 ODRAF teams and nine NDRF teams are engaged in rescue and relief operations.
In Ganjam, 299 villages across 22 blocks have been affected, out of 922 identified as vulnerable. Four SRC powerboats have been deployed, and rescue operations are continuing. The administration has shifted 550 pregnant women to safer locations, with 293 institutional deliveries recorded.
In Gajapati, 119 vulnerable villages have been identified across seven blocks. Seven rescue boats have been deployed, while 420 pregnant women have been shifted to safer places and 33 institutional deliveries recorded. The Vamsadhara River was flowing at 52.5 metres, below its danger level of 54.10 metres, the statement said.
In neighbouring Rayagada district, 11 Fire Service teams have been deployed, and 134 shelters have been arranged. Three powerboats have been stationed at Gunupur, Gudari and K Singhpur. A total of 236 pregnant women have been shifted to safer locations, with 86 institutional deliveries recorded.
The minister said heavy rainfall had also affected Malkangiri, Koraput, Nabarangpur, Kalahandi, Nuapada and Kandhamal districts.
Rail services disrupted, power restoration underway
Rail services in the Ichchapuram–Jhadupudi section under the Visakhapatnam Division have been affected by inundation at several locations. Nine trains have been cancelled or suspended and 14 diverted, while some trains have been stranded at five locations in Odisha. Measures are being taken to assist affected passengers, the statement said.
Power restoration is also underway in the affected areas. Electricity supply has been restored at 298 of the 316 affected 33 kV substations, while approximately 84 per cent of affected electricity connections have been restored.
Road connectivity has been disrupted at several locations in Gajapati due to heavy rainfall, including four locations in Mohana, Udayagiri and Rayagada blocks. Restoration work has begun. Vehicular movement on the Pattangi–Galigabdar road in Koraput, which had been disrupted by flowing floodwater, has returned to normal.
The Chief Minister and the Revenue Minister are scheduled to undertake an aerial survey of the affected areas, particularly in Ganjam and Gajapati, to assess the situation. A Central team is also scheduled to visit the two districts to assess the damage.
The state government has maintained heightened vigilance and intensified rescue, relief and restoration operations. Pujari appealed to people to remain calm, cooperate with the administration and prioritise their safety.
