Odisha Floods: 59,028 Evacuated as Cyclone Arnab Triggers Heavy Rainfall
Odisha deploys 69 disaster response teams as heavy rainfall floods southern districts; 3,001 pregnant women shifted to healthcare facilities and 830 relief shelters arranged.
At least 59,028 people have been evacuated from vulnerable areas across Odisha following extremely heavy rainfall and flooding under the influence of Cyclone Arnab. The state government has intensified rescue and relief operations, deploying 60 Odisha Disaster Rapid Action Force (ODRAF) teams, nine National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) teams and 244 Fire Service teams.
Ganjam and Gajapati are among the worst-affected districts. Patrapur in Ganjam recorded 546 mm of rainfall, while G. Udayagiri in Kandhamal received 462.4 mm. Several other locations recorded rainfall exceeding 200 mm.
Revenue and Disaster Management Minister Suresh Pujari reviewed the situation throughout Thursday from the State Emergency Operations Centre. He directed officials to ensure timely assistance, essential supplies and healthcare facilities for affected people.
In Ganjam, 11,882 people have been evacuated, while 17,441 people have been moved to safer locations in Gajapati. Malkangiri reported 15,477 evacuees, while 10,519 people were evacuated in Nabarangpur. The administration has arranged 830 shelters across the state.
The government has also prioritised maternal healthcare. A total of 3,001 pregnant women have been shifted to healthcare facilities, and 1,188 institutional deliveries have been recorded so far. Helicopters are being used to evacuate people stranded in severely flooded areas where strong currents are preventing rescue teams from reaching them.
Deputy Chief Minister Kanak Vardhan Singh Deo is monitoring the situation in Koraput, while Deputy Chief Minister Pravati Parida is in Rayagada. Other ministers are overseeing relief operations in Ganjam, Gajapati, Kalahandi and Kandhamal.
Heavy rainfall has disrupted railway services, with nine trains cancelled or suspended and 14 diverted. Electricity restoration is also underway, with power supply restored to 298 of the 316 affected 33 kV substations.
Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi and Revenue Minister Suresh Pujari are scheduled to conduct an aerial survey of Ganjam and Gajapati. A Central Team will also visit the affected districts to assess the damage.
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