Cyclone Arnab: Indian Navy and Coast Guard Launch Major Relief Efforts in Odisha

In the wake of Cyclone Arnab, Odisha is facing severe flooding, prompting the Indian Navy and Coast Guard to launch extensive relief operations. The Navy has airlifted vital supplies to isolated villages, while the Coast Guard has conducted rescues from inundated health centres. With Ganjam district being the hardest hit, the situation remains critical as authorities work to provide food and safe drinking water to affected communities. Read on to learn more about the ongoing efforts and the challenges faced in this humanitarian crisis.

By Narendra Chaudhary Nov 2, 2026, 10:42 IST

Relief Operations Intensify Amidst Cyclone Aftermath

Bhubaneswar/New Delhi: Odisha is currently facing significant flooding due to Cyclone ‘Arnab’, prompting the Indian Navy to enhance its relief efforts for the impacted populations, especially in regions where roads have been rendered impassable and villages remain submerged.

For the second day in a row, the Eastern Naval Command executed aerial relief operations in Ganjam district. Navy Sea King and Advanced Light Helicopter (ALH) aircraft completed several sorties, delivering approximately 1,800 kg of essential supplies to the flood-affected village of Sara Bhimpur.

The shipment included around 1,400 kg of food and 400 litres of potable water. The Eastern Naval Command shared on X, "Continuing HADR operations post-Cyclone Arnab, we sustained aerial relief efforts for the second consecutive day in cyclone-impacted Ganjam district, Odisha."

With extensive flooding and damaged roads isolating the village, the delivery of crucial supplies became increasingly difficult. Navy helicopters successfully navigated these challenges through aerial drops, offering critical support to residents trapped by the floods.

In collaboration with local authorities, the Indian Navy has maintained its relief operations to ensure timely access to food and safe drinking water for affected communities. This operation highlights the Navy’s swift response capabilities and its dedication to humanitarian aid during natural disasters.

Additionally, the Indian Coast Guard has been actively involved in rescue missions following Cyclone Arnab. On October 29, six individuals, including two women, two children, and an elderly person, were rescued from a flood-affected health centre and airlifted to safety.

This rescue operation was initiated in Ganjam district after the Coast Guard received an emergency alert. An Advanced Light Helicopter (ALH Mk-III) and rescue personnel were promptly dispatched from the Coast Guard Air Enclave in Bhubaneswar.

Despite challenging weather and operational conditions, the helicopter crew successfully located the submerged primary health centre, where several individuals were stranded due to rising floodwaters, and executed the evacuation.

The state government reports that Ganjam, Gajapati, Kandhamala, Koraput, and Rayagada districts have been severely impacted by Cyclone Arnab, with Ganjam being the hardest hit, followed by Gajapati and Kandhamala, which have also experienced significant destruction.

The highest number of affected individuals is in Ganjam (42,564), followed by Gajapati (30,000) and Kandhamal (12,000). Residents from vulnerable and low-lying areas have been relocated to safer zones, and relief camps have been established to house those displaced.