States » EastPosted at: Oct 29 2026 9:15PM


Central Team to visit Cyclone Arnab-hit areas in Odisha to assess damage: Revenue Minister

Bhubaneswar, Oct 29 (UNI) A Central Government team will visit cyclone-affected Ganjam and Gajapati districts of Odisha to assess the damage caused by exceptionally heavy rainfall and review the prevailing situation, Revenue and Disaster Management Minister Suresh Pujari announced on Thursday.
The state government has intensified rescue, relief and evacuation operations in the affected districts, with multiple teams of the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), Odisha Disaster Rapid Action Force (ODRAF) and Fire Services deployed to ensure public safety.
Pujari said the Central Government was in constant coordination with the Odisha government and extending all necessary assistance to deal with the situation.
Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi and the Revenue Minister are also scheduled to undertake an aerial survey of the affected areas, particularly in Ganjam and Gajapati districts, to assess the extent of the damage and review the ongoing relief and rescue operations, official sources said.
The Revenue Minister conducted a comprehensive review of the flood situation throughout the day from the State Emergency Operations Centre. The meeting was attended by the Chief Secretary, Development Commissioner, Additional Chief Secretary of the Revenue and Disaster Management Department, Special Relief Commissioner and other senior officials.
Monitoring rescue and relief operations through virtual interactions from the control room, Pujari expressed hope that the situation would return to normal soon through coordinated efforts by all concerned departments and agencies.
He assured the affected people that the state government and the entire administrative machinery stood firmly by their side. He also appealed to the public to remain calm, cooperate with the administration and give priority to their safety.
Pujari also coordinated with the Indian Coast Guard to facilitate the evacuation of people stranded in flood-affected areas using helicopters.
In several locations, strong water currents have prevented NDRF and ODRAF teams from reaching stranded people. In such areas, aerial evacuation operations have been undertaken to move people to safer locations.
In vulnerable areas of Ganjam district, people are being evacuated in phases with the assistance of Coast Guard helicopters.
Under the influence of Cyclone Arnab, Ganjam and Gajapati districts have experienced exceptionally heavy rainfall, prompting the deployment of specialised disaster response teams and emergency personnel.
As of the time of reporting, 45 ODRAF teams, seven NDRF teams and 24 Fire Service teams had been deployed in Ganjam district. In Gajapati district, 12 ODRAF teams, one NDRF team and 12 Fire Service teams were on standby.
Across Odisha, 60 ODRAF teams and nine NDRF teams have been deployed to ensure public safety and strengthen rescue and relief operations.
In addition, 244 Fire and Emergency Services teams are working across the state to clear roads blocked by fallen trees, restore connectivity, carry out rescue operations and evacuate people from vulnerable locations. The teams are working round the clock to assist those affected by the heavy rainfall.
According to the Revenue Minister, heavy rainfall has affected nine districts of Odisha: Ganjam, Gajapati, Malkangiri, Koraput, Nabarangpur, Rayagada, Kalahandi, Nuapada and Kandhamal.
A total of 59,028 people have been evacuated from vulnerable areas as a precautionary measure, while 830 shelters have been arranged to accommodate those displaced by the adverse weather conditions.
The state administration continues to closely monitor the situation and coordinate rescue, evacuation and relief measures to minimise the impact of the cyclone and ensure the safety of people in the affected districts.
UNI DP
Tags: #Central Team to visit Cyclone Arnab-hit areas in Odisha to assess damage: Revenue Minister
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