Severe Flooding in Odisha Claims Lives and Displaces Thousands
Tragic Landslide and Flooding in Odisha
Continuous heavy rainfall in three Odisha districts led to a sharp rise in water levels of rivers (Photo: IANS)
Bhubaneswar, Oct 31: A landslide in Odisha has resulted in the deaths of three individuals, including a nine-month-old infant, as heavy rains induced by cyclone 'Arnab' caused significant flooding in the southern regions of the state, according to officials on Friday.
The cyclone, initially predicted to impact Andhra Pradesh more severely, unexpectedly caused extensive damage in the districts of Ganjam, Gajapati, and Kandhamal, as noted by Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi.
Majhi remarked, "We anticipated damage in Malkangiri district near Andhra Pradesh, but 'Arnab' caused devastation in Ganjam, Gajapati, and Kandhamal districts instead."
Prolonged heavy rainfall in these areas resulted in rising river levels and triggered nearly a dozen landslides. In one tragic incident in Kandhamal, a couple and their infant son lost their lives, as reported by a minister.
The Chief Minister announced a compensation of Rs 4 lakh for the families of the deceased.
President Droupadi Murmu, who was set to visit Odisha for three days starting November 3, has canceled her trip due to the ongoing crisis. She reached out to the Chief Minister to inquire about the welfare of those affected.
The state government has ramped up rescue and relief efforts, deploying four helicopters from the Indian Navy and Coast Guard to deliver food supplies in the flood-affected Ganjam district.
After an aerial assessment of the impacted areas with Disaster Management Minister Suresh Pujari, Majhi stated that the government promptly requested assistance from the central government upon realizing the cyclone's altered trajectory.
Special Relief Commissioner Rajesh P Patil confirmed that food packets were airdropped at 21 designated locations in Ganjam district.
Personnel from the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and Odisha Disaster Rapid Action Force (ODRAF) have also been delivering cooked meals by boat to those stranded in flooded regions, despite challenging weather and strong currents, officials reported.
Over 23,000 individuals are currently residing in relief camps, but the number of those trapped in flooded areas is significantly higher, according to Pujari.
Of the 313 rescue teams deployed statewide, more than 100 are focused on Ganjam and Gajapati districts.
Approximately 50,000 people have been severely impacted by the floods in Ganjam, followed by 30,000 in Gajapati and 12,000 in Kandhamal, as stated by the minister.
Following the Chief Minister's aerial survey, the state government allocated an additional Rs 20 crore for relief and rescue operations in Ganjam district.
A central team is scheduled to visit Odisha on November 2 to evaluate the flood damage caused by the cyclone, Pujari added.
Dilip K Rout, Engineer-in-Chief of the Water Resources Department, reported that the overflowing Rushikulya river has caused extensive destruction in Ganjam, flooding numerous villages, damaging bridges, and washing away roads.
Floodwaters have inundated residential areas, with Sorada, Aska, Bhanjanagar, and Purushottampur being among the hardest hit. Several regions in Sanakhemundi have also been affected, according to officials.
Ganjam Collector V Keerthi Vasan stated that rescue and relief efforts have been intensified, with relief supplies distributed to affected residents since Thursday.
The government has also assigned 30 senior Odisha Administrative Service (OAS) officers to support the Ganjam district administration in executing relief and rescue operations.
The Chief Minister emphasized that the administration is working tirelessly to assist those affected. He stated, "My top priority is to protect lives and property during this crisis. The entire administration is dedicated to ensuring that food, clean water, and emergency healthcare reach those in need without delay. Instructions have been issued to accelerate relief and rescue efforts."
He also urged officials to hasten the restoration of damaged roads and bridges, restore electricity, and address potential health issues following the floods.
"In these challenging times, your government stands firmly with you. Stay strong, remain in safe locations, heed the guidance of local authorities and rescue teams, and support one another; united, we will overcome this crisis soon," Majhi stated.
Transport Minister B B Jena reported that National Highway-16, which connects Kolkata and Chennai, has reopened after water levels in the Bahuda river subsided.
Rail services have resumed, although several trains remain canceled or short-terminated due to congestion caused by water-logging along the routes, an official noted.