62,500 people affected; over 29,000 evacuated to safety; aerial rescue being considered for marooned residents

Bhubaneswar, 29 October (H.S.): Odisha Chief Secretary Anu Garg on Thursday reviewed the flood situation in Ganjam and Gajapati districts following heavy and continuous rainfall triggered by Cyclone Arnab. During a review meeting at the Special Relief Commissioner’s (SRC) control room, she issued necessary directions for flood management, rescue operations and the safety of affected residents.

The Chief Secretary held discussions with Special Relief Commissioner Rajesh Prabhakar Patil and Ganjam Collector V. Keerthi Vasan to assess the situation, particularly in the worst-affected areas of Ganjam district. She reviewed the preparedness measures taken before the cyclone and the steps being implemented to deal with flooding caused by incessant rainfall.

Following the review, Garg also discussed the response measures with Revenue and Disaster Management Minister Suresh Pujari.

Over 62,000 People Affected in Two Districts

According to the official assessment, 299 villages under 208 gram panchayats across 22 blocks in Ganjam district and 711 villages under 110 gram panchayats across seven blocks in Gajapati district have been severely affected.

Around 42,500 people have been affected in Ganjam and another 20,000 in Gajapati. As a precautionary measure, 11,882 people in Ganjam and 17,441 in Gajapati have been evacuated and accommodated in cyclone and flood shelters.

In Ganjam district, 2,328 people in 70 villages remain surrounded by floodwater.

Aerial Rescue Considered for Marooned Residents

With strong water currents preventing National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and Odisha Disaster Rapid Action Force (ODRAF) teams from reaching some affected areas, the administration is considering aerial evacuation of residents where necessary.

District collectors have been directed to identify and submit lists of such locations. Arrangements for cooked food, drinking water and other essential supplies have also been emphasised to ensure that people in inaccessible areas receive immediate assistance.

Chief Secretary Garg has held discussions with senior authorities regarding the possible deployment of a specialised helicopter of the Indian Coast Guard. A decision on aerial evacuation will be taken depending on the urgency and ground situation.

As part of the ongoing response, 27 ODRAF teams, three NDRF teams and 24 Fire Services teams have been deployed in Ganjam district. In Gajapati, 12 ODRAF teams, one NDRF team and 12 Fire Services teams are engaged in relief and rescue operations.

The administration has also evacuated 550 pregnant women in Ganjam and 420 in Gajapati to safer locations.

Heavy Rainfall Raises Water Levels in Bahuda River

Heavy rainfall in the catchment areas of the Baghulati reservoir and the Bahuda river, particularly in the Chikiti and Patrapur blocks of Ganjam district, has led to a rise in water levels and affected railway operations near Ichchapuram in neighbouring Andhra Pradesh.

In anticipation of Cyclone Arnab and the India Meteorological Department’s forecast of heavy rainfall, water had been released from the reservoir in advance to regulate its storage capacity.

However, heavy rainfall in the upper catchment area began on the evening of October 27. By 11 am on October 28, the inflow had increased to 550 cubic metres per second, prompting the opening of four reservoir gates to release water.

Between 11 am and 7 pm on October 28, Patrapur block recorded 546 mm of rainfall, while Chikiti block received 289 mm. The resulting increase in the flow of the Bahuda river inundated low-lying areas.

Railway Traffic Disrupted Near Odisha-Andhra Pradesh Border

Railway authorities reported an abnormal rise in water levels at Bridge No. 1052 near Dangueda, between Ichchapuram and Jatpudi railway stations. As a result, several trains were stranded on both the Andhra Pradesh side and the Ganjam side of Odisha.

Continuous coordination is being maintained among the administrations of Ganjam and Srikakulam districts and East Coast Railway officials based in Visakhapatnam and Bhubaneswar.

The Chief Secretary has spoken to the concerned railway authorities and directed the Ganjam Collector to take necessary measures and ensure that passengers and other affected people receive timely and essential information.

Minister Monitoring Relief and Restoration

Revenue and Disaster Management Minister Suresh Pujari is continuously monitoring the post-cyclone flood situation, restoration measures and rehabilitation efforts.

Senior officials, including the Principal Secretary of the Water Resources Department, attended the review meeting.

The state government has emphasised continuous monitoring of the post-cyclone situation, coordinated action among departments and the protection of residents in affected areas. The administration is focusing on strengthening relief and rescue operations and minimising the impact of the disaster.

Hindusthan Samachar / Monalisa Panda