States » EastPosted at: Oct 29 2026 6:53PM


Cyclone Arnab aftermath: Odisha begins airlifting flood-hit people, seeks Coast Guard choppers

Bhubaneswar, Oct 29 (UNI) Odisha has begun airlifting people stranded by floods in Ganjam district, where strong currents have hampered rescue operations, and has sought Indian Coast Guard helicopter support for emergency evacuations as heavy rain under Cyclone Arnab’s influence has affected around 62,500 people in Ganjam and Gajapati districts, officials said on Thursday.
Airlifting is underway in inaccessible areas of Patrapur block in Ganjam, where rescue teams have been unable to reach stranded people due to strong water currents, added the officials.
Of the 62,500 people affected in the two districts, 29,323 have been evacuated to safety. Ganjam accounts for 42,500 affected people, of whom 11,882 have been evacuated, while Gajapati has reported 20,000 affected people and 17,441 evacuees. In Ganjam, 2,328 people in 70 villages remain surrounded by floodwaters.
Chief Secretary Anu Garg reviewed the situation at the Special Relief Commissioner’s office and directed officials to intensify rescue operations and ensure supplies of cooked food, drinking water and other essentials to affected people.
Ganjam has deployed 27 Odisha Disaster Rapid Action Force (ODRAF) teams, three National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) teams, and 24 fire service teams. Gajapati has mobilised 12 ODRAF teams, one NDRF team and 12 fire service teams. A total of 970 pregnant women have been shifted to safer locations in the two districts.
Heavy rainfall has also disrupted train services near the Odisha-Andhra Pradesh border. Patrapur block recorded 546 mm of rainfall and Chikiti 289 mm between 11 am and 7 pm on October 28.
The downpour swelled the Bahuda River, prompting the release of water through four gates of the Baghalati reservoir. Rising water levels near railway bridge No. 1052 between Ichchapuram and Jatpudipeta stations disrupted train operations, leaving several trains stranded.
The Chief Secretary further directed officials to coordinate with railway authorities and ensure timely information and assistance to stranded passengers. Revenue and Disaster Management Minister Suresh Pujari is monitoring the flood situation, rescue operations and rehabilitation measures.
UNI MK RSA
Tags: #Cyclone Arnab aftermath: Odisha begins airlifting flood-hit people# seeks Coast Guard choppers
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