Odisha plans food air drops in Ganjam and Gajapati after cyclone rain
The state is using helicopters to deliver food packets to people stranded by floods in southern Odisha districts.
Odisha on Friday increased rescue and relief efforts in Ganjam and Gajapati districts after torrential rain connected to cyclone Arnab left thousands of people stranded for over 24 hours, according to Outlook.
Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi stated that the intensity and specific location of the rainfall in Ganjam were unexpected. He noted that while the administration prepared for impacts in Malkangiri, the heavy rain in Ganjam caused severe flooding.
In Ganjam, the Patrapur block recorded 54 cm of rain within 24 hours. Chief Secretary Anu Garg said this 24-hour volume exceeded the annual average rainfall for the area. She added that strong currents prevented NDRF and ODRAF personnel from entering certain zones.
Disaster Management Minister Suresh Pujari said approximately 50,000 people in Ganjam were badly affected. He said defence helicopters were requested to air-drop food and water at 21 identified locations where ground access was impossible.
Flooding from the Rushikulya river has submerged villages and damaged infrastructure. An official reported a 30-foot breach near Achhuli and a washed-away bridge near Patashala, while Dasamaili village remains under nearly 10 feet of water.
Ganjam Collector V Keerthi Vasan said relief materials have been distributed since Thursday. More than 100 of the 313 rescue teams deployed across the state are currently working in Ganjam and Gajapati.