The Odisha government has intensified relief and restoration operations on a war footing following the impact of Cyclone Arnab and subsequent floods in the state. Special Relief Commissioner Rajesh Prabhakar Patil on Sunday briefed the media on the situation and ongoing measures to restore normalcy in the affected areas.
Ganjam and Kandhamal districts have been among the worst-affected areas, with a total of 1,18,730 people impacted by the disaster. Three deaths have been reported in Kandhamal district. The administration evacuated 75,855 people to safer locations and opened 396 relief camps to provide assistance.
As many as 807 pregnant women were shifted to safe places, of whom 399 have given birth. The disaster has affected 75,388 hectares of agricultural land and damaged 1,672 houses.
Power and Water Supply Restoration Accelerated
The government has deployed more than 6,400 personnel to speed up electricity restoration in cyclone-affected areas of southern Odisha. Power supply has been fully restored in Boudh, Malkangiri and Rayagada districts, as well as Berhampur city. Overall, more than 96 per cent of the power supply in southern Odisha has been restored.
Efforts are also underway to restore drinking water services. Against Berhampur’s daily requirement of 90 million litres, around 70 million litres of water is currently being supplied, while 20 tankers have been deployed to meet additional demand.
Authorities have disinfected and restored 2,575 tubewells and 162 rural piped water projects. Drinking water bottles and pouches have also been distributed among affected residents.
At Janibali, work is underway to construct a sand bund to normalise water supply, with 120 workers and three earthmoving machines deployed for the operation.
Government on Alert as Weather System Approaches
Meanwhile, the deep depression over the Bay of Bengal is expected to cross the Andhra Pradesh coast by November 3, according to the information provided in the official briefing. The India Meteorological Department has issued an alert for the Andhra Pradesh coast, and vulnerable areas are being closely monitored.
The administration has prepared evacuation plans for residents of low-lying and high-risk coastal areas. Disaster response teams, relief camps, drinking water facilities and emergency medical services have been kept ready.
Fishermen have been strictly advised not to venture into the sea due to extremely rough conditions.
The state government has urged people not to panic but to remain alert and follow official advisories as authorities continue to monitor the situation and prioritise the safety of life and property.