Bhubaneswar: Ganjam has emerged as the worst-affected district in Odisha following heavy post-cyclone rainfall under the influence of Cyclone Arnab, with 42,564 people affected, Revenue and Disaster Management Minister Suresh Pujari said on Friday.
Gajapati and Kandhamal districts have also suffered extensive damage, with 30,000 and 12,000 people affected, respectively, as the state government intensified rescue, relief and rehabilitation operations.
The situation was reviewed at a meeting held at the State Emergency Control Room in Rajiv Bhawan here under the chairmanship of Pujari, in the presence of the Special Relief Commissioner (SRC) and senior officials.
According to the Minister, Ganjam, Gajapati, Kandhamal, Koraput and Rayagada are among the districts significantly affected by the cyclone. Continuous rainfall has caused waterlogging in several villages and extensive damage to roads, particularly in Ganjam, Gajapati and Kandhamal.
ODRAF, NDRF and Fire Services personnel have been deployed in the affected areas for rescue and relief operations. Helicopters are also being pressed into service for rescue missions and the distribution of food supplies.
Thousands of people from vulnerable areas have been evacuated and shifted to relief camps. Special priority is being given to pregnant women, who are being moved to safer locations and provided with necessary healthcare services and medicines.
Essential relief materials, including dry food, rice, jaggery, polythene sheets and safe drinking water, are being distributed among people taking shelter in relief camps.
The Minister directed officials to ensure continuous monitoring of the post-cyclone situation and take coordinated measures to safeguard lives and minimise damage. Instructions have also been issued to restore damaged roads and electricity supply on a war footing.
The state government has intensified relief and rehabilitation measures across the affected districts, the statement said.
